Gilbert Junior Swiger, 83, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away June 27, 2026, following a brief battle with bone cancer. Born 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; his nephew, Davy Calhoun; and his cat, Woogies.
Swiger is survived by his wife, Rhoda (Weymouth) Swiger; his son, Gilbert Jeffrey Swiger; his daughter, Suzanne (Swiger) Weininger, and her husband, Charles; his grandchildren, Alexander (Ally) and William “Liam” Weininger; and his sister, Bonita “Bonnie” Calhoun, and her husband, David, of Painesville, Ohio. Their daughter, Jenny (Mark) Hurban, also survives.
Swiger proudly served three years in the United States Army in helicopter maintenance. After his service, he moved to Sebastian in 1968 and became a key figure in the community’s early development.
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 County to northern Indian River County. The company initially offered eight stations for $4.95.
In 1976, he opened Atha & Swiger Realty, where his wife, Rhoda, later joined him.
Expanding their real estate businesses, Swiger founded Sebastian Realty Executives and Sebastian Realty Inc. He remained active in the Board of Realtors until he became a Realtor emeritus. Swiger 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, a home security systems sales and installation company, and a commercial investment analysis company, which he enjoyed answering as “Hello, CIA.”
Additionally, he was among the first in the area to recognize the growing importance of home computer systems and opened a computer sales, service and repair store. He also played an important role in establishing the Sebastian Airport as a thriving business hub and served as chairman of the Airport Committee for eight years.
A man deeply committed to service, Swiger was a 32nd-degree Mason, a charter member of the Azan Temple in Melbourne and active in the Azan Aviators. He was a member of the Sebastian Exchange Club and 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, and he was named Lion of the Year for 1978-79.
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 Shriners Hospitals. He also donated multiple gallons of blood during his life and served with the Micco Volunteer Fire Department.
Swiger 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 could no longer fly, he bought an RV and enjoyed seeing the sights from a new perspective, though 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 of Indian River County. He attended sessions Thursdays at the Sebastian Yacht Club and Wednesdays and Fridays at the Indian River Shores Community Center, where he enjoyed the camaraderie and activities.
Swiger’s stories, his quick wit and his warm sense of humor will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the many people whose lives he touched.
A service will be held at 11 a.m. July 11, 2026, at Roseland Global Methodist Church. Donations may be made to Roseland Global Methodist Church, the Center for Memory & Movement – Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County, or a charity of your choice.
