Gilbert Junior Swiger, 83, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away on June 27, 2026, following a brief battle with bone cancer. Born on May 27, 1943, in Painesville, Ohio, he was the son of Gilbert “Gib” Conard Swiger and Clarencie Tillman (Fowler) Swiger, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his infant brother, Phillip.

Gil is survived by his loving wife, Rhoda (Weymouth) Swiger; his daughter Suzanne (Swiger) Weininger and her husband Charles; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexander (Ally) and William “Liam” Weininger; and Gil’s son Gilbert Jeffrey Swiger; . He is also survived by his beloved sister, Bonita “Bonnie” Calhoun, and her husband David, of Painesville, and their daughter Jenny (Mark) Hurban.  Dave and Bonnie’s son, Davy, was waiting in Heaven to greet Gil as was Gil’s beloved cat, Woogies.

Gil proudly served three years in the United States Army doing helicopter maintenance. After his service, he became a key figure in Sebastian’s early development when he moved here in 1968. As president of the first cable television company in Sebastian, he installed much of the original cable infrastructure that helped shape the city’s future from southern Brevard to northern Indian River. (A whopping 8 stations for $4.95!) In 1976 he opened Atha & Swiger Realty where his wife, Rhoda, later joined him.   Expanding their real estate businesses, he founded both Sebastian Realty Executives and Sebastian Realty, Inc., remaining active in the Board of Realtors until he became a realtor emeritus.  Gil loved being an entrepreneur and founded a variety of businesses over the years including: a car rental agency, an airplane brokerage, an airplane charter service, home security systems sales and installations and a commercial investment analysis company (he got a kick out of answering the phone “Hello, CIA”).  Additionally, he was the first in the area to recognize the growing importance of home computer systems and opened a computer sales, service and repair store.  Lastly, Gil played an important role in establishing the Sebastian Airport as a thriving business hub, contributing to the community’s growth and future, ultimately serving as chairman of the Airport Committee for 8 years.

A man deeply committed to service, Gil was a 32 degree Mason, a charter member of the Azan Temple in Melbourne, and active in the Azan Aviators.  He was member of the Sebastian Exchange Club and as a dedicated former member of the Lions Club, where he served as president, his efforts helped raise significant funds for children and families in need.  Those efforts resulted in being named Lion of the Year for 1978-1979.  His work with these organizations reflected his lifelong desire to help others.

His generosity, energy, and willingness to serve were hallmarks of his life.  He loved to fly his Cessnas and frequently donated his time and aircraft to transport injured or ill children and their families to hospitals throughout the southeast where they could receive specialized care, especially at the Shriner’s Hospitals.  Further, he donated multiple gallons of blood during his life and served with the Micco Volunteer Fire Department.

He was proud to be a member of the Roseland Global Methodist Church and enjoyed the men’s group immensely.  As a member of the Florida Aero Club – Treasure Coast, he cherished every moment he was able to fly and spend time with his fellow pilots.  When he wasn’t able to fly anymore, he bought an RV and enjoyed seeing the sights from a new perspective.  Still, he missed flying enormously!  In recent years he eagerly participated in the Social Respite program sponsored by the Center for Memory & Movement – Alzheimer & Parkinson Association IRC: Thursdays at the Sebastian Yacht Club and Wednesdays and Fridays at Indian River Shores Community Center.  Wonderful people, wonderful times, lots of laughter and chocolate, therefore Gil enjoyed every minute there!

Gil’s stories, his quick wit, and his warm sense of humor (especially his humor!) will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

A service will be held at Roseland Global Methodist Church on July 11, at 11:00 am. Donations may be made to:

Roseland Global Methodist Church https://giving.myamplify.io//app/giving/RosePO649

Center for Memory & Movement – Alzheimer & Parkinson Association IRC https://secure.qgiv.com/for/honorariumsandtributes

or a charity of your choice.