Swetzes, Christopher Bruce

Christopher Bruce Swetzes, 21, beloved son of Dolores and Bruce Swetzes of Avon, earned his angel wings on June 17, 2021.

Chris passed away peacefully at Connecticut Children's Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a valiant 5-year battle with metastatic Ewings Sarcoma. Born in Hartford on March 26, 2000, Chris was a lifelong resident of Avon. Diagnosed a few weeks before his 16th birthday, Chris fought bravely and relentlessly until the very end. He will always be remembered for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He was an honor student and 2018 graduate of Avon High School where he was involved with First Robotics, Unified Sports and Unified Theater. Chris was interested in pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at UCONN before his education was put on hold during treatment. He was passionate about technology, photography, and the great outdoors where he loved to spend time hiking, fishing and hunting.

Chris used his many talents to benefit others. He was Vice President of Vie for the Kids, whose mission is to provide funding for pediatric cancer and clinical trials, a member of the Adolescent & Young Adults Advisory Council at CCMC, assisted with Avon High School's Uberbots Robotics Team, provided tech instruction to staff and residents at the Avon Library, and was CoFounder of HOGFLIGHT Productions.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that supported Chris throughout his journey. The CCMC staff provided exceptional care and compassion that empowered Chris to fight long and hard. We especially want to thank his primary care team, Dr. Andrea Orsey, APRNs Amanda and Karina, and nurses Tricia and Drew, who showed unrelenting dedication to Chris throughout his 5-year journey. His family and friends stood by his side every day of his battle. Through the generosity of Make-A-Wish, Chris traveled on a Mediterranean cruise with his family and through Catch-A-Dream Foundation he fulfilled his dream of hunting on a Texas ranch. In addition to his parents, Chris leaves his sisters, Michelle Swetzes and Danielle Failla; his beloved dog, Lily, who always provided him comfort; aunts and uncles, Diane and Mark Bruzik, Doreen and Patrick Adams,

and Connie and Michael Swetzes; and many cousins and friends to mourn his loss. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Maria Nazare and Augustine Ramos, and Emma and Michael Swetzes.

Chris' family will receive friends on Friday, June 25, 2021, from 5-8PM at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June

26, at the Church of St. Ann, 289 Arch Rd, Avon. Guests are asked to go directly to the church for the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vie for the Kids (https://vieforthekids.org), Catch-A-Dream Foundation (https://www. catchadream.org) or Make-A-Wish (https://wish.org). To share a memory of Chris or a condolence message

with his family, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome. com.

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries