Paul Franklin Swetnam

July 16, 1954 - June 12, 2025

Paul Franklin Swetnam

Paul Franklin “Bubbles” Swetnam went home to be with Jesus on June 12, 2025, at the age of 70 in Raleigh, North Carolina surrounded by his family. After several months of health challenges, he remained unbelievably brave, resilient, and determined. Through it all, his trust in the Lord never wavered, and he remained thankful for the life he was given. We take comfort in knowing he is now fully healed, at peace, and in the presence of Jesus.

Born in Columbus, Ohio to Joseph and Audrey Swetnam, Paul was raised with strong values of hard work, discipline, and most importantly, having a relationship with the Lord. Though his upbringing was modest, his childhood was rich with adventure alongside his four brothers, cousins, and countless friends. He was always working on something—building forts, go-karts, fixing cars, or performing in church concerts. His parents’ fruit trees sparked his lifelong love for fruit pies, especially cherry.

Paul met the love of his life, Lynne Marie, as a child. Married for 51 years, he was a devoted and thoughtful husband who took joy in finding the perfect gift. They traveled the world together, including several years in Germany while Paul served in the U.S. Air Force. There, he thrived as a squadron leader and developed a deep interest in radar and measurement technology. He later earned a degree in Electrical Engineering, an Executive MBA, and founded his own company, Lintek—named in honor of Lynne. Paul made significant contributions to the radar field and was respected around the world for his work.

Above all, Paul loved being a family man. He was endlessly proud of his two daughters, Lauren and Hannah, and found immeasurable joy in being “Bubbles” to his two grandchildren, Liliana and Valor. He cherished every moment with them—planning adventures, building things, and creating lasting memories.

A natural builder and creative mind, Paul was curious about everything. He had a knack for figuring things out and never shied away from a challenge. He loved space, science, math, politics, and keeping up with the stock market, usually with the morning news playing in the background. He was a lifelong lover of music and a gifted pianist, having played for his church youth choir as a teen. He always had a project in progress and loved sharing articles, books, and interesting stories with those he loved.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wayne. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne; his daughters, Lauren Swetnam and Hannah (Jack) Santora; and his grandchildren, Liliana and Valor. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph, David, and Daniel.

Though we will miss him more than words can say, we rest in the hope that we will see him again. His love, legacy, and the memories we shared will live in our hearts forever.

“Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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Tributes

Gregory Charvat planted 10 trees in memory of Paul Franklin Swetnam . - July 03, 2025

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David DeBardelaben planted 5 trees in memory of Paul Franklin Swetnam . - June 18, 2025

Condolences

November 04, 2025

Melissa Manns

I had the pleasure of working for him at Lintek for 6 years. I moved back to NC, but I have always wished I could've moved the job & company with me. Very smart and humble man gained his wings. He made such an impact on so many lives. Im sorry for the world's loss, & especially the family's loss.
June 28, 2025

Vivek SunderRaj

I never knew Paul or Lintek - but I offer my condolences to Lynne and the rest of the family. May the Lord Jesus Himself console you in this time of grief. - Vivek SunderRaj - an RF engineer
June 27, 2025

Jeremy

Nothing but great memories of Uncle Paul. He will be missed, but look forward to seeing him again in glory. A very wise man, but always ready to laugh and have a good time. Every time I eat cherry pie will be thinking of you Paul!
June 26, 2025

Jeremy Swetnam

Nothing but great memories of Uncle Paul! Very wise man, but always ready to laugh and never turned down the chance to have some fun... he was so proud to show off his new Tesla, and let us take it for a test drive. On the backroads near Grandpa and Uncle Wayne's house he kept pushing me to hit 100mph. Sure enough a policeman was sitting in the local church lot, but that didn't phase Paul. He would have gladly paid my ticket!
June 23, 2025

Hirsch Chizever

Well done, my friend!
June 18, 2025

Scott & Stephanie Dinant

God speed, Paul. Thank you for affording all of us the opportunities that Lintek provided. I am forever grateful to you and your family. Lynne and girls, Steph and I have you in our prayers and often remember the times we shared all those years ago. Sincerely, Scott & Stephanie Dinant
June 17, 2025

John Stigall

Oh My we have lost a great man in 1998 he interviewed me after telling someone he wouldn't hire me but would interview me that was the start of a whole new career for me! In the interview his response was there are times you hire someone who has the integrity and values you want and train them! I then worked for him for 15 years the best place I was ever employed by in my life I loved going to work! Thanks for seeing something in me and giving me a chance you will be sorely missed in this world!!!
June 16, 2025

Renee C. Swetnam Martinez

Love you Uncle Paul. ❤️
June 16, 2025

Gregory L. Charvat

Re-post from a story I sent to Lauren a few days ago: quick story for you; as you know Paul sent us all of his old radar books, which we now use at the office all the time. In the cover of each of your father's books someone noticed that the author had written a personal note to Paul and signed it. That is how impactful Paul is in the field of radar measurements and design. Literally everyone knows him! respects him, and he did it all without bragging about it on social media. By Kindness and example. We will do our best to follow in Paul's footsteps.
June 16, 2025

Kristen (Perfect) Lynn

I was lucky enough to grow up with not just my best friend, but a second family—and at the heart of that family was Pop Swetnam. To me, he wasn't just Lauren's dad—he was Pop. A second father. A calm, wise, funny, steady presence through my teenage years and well into adulthood. I spent more time than I can count at the Swetnam house, and every visit was full of warmth, music, and the kind of quiet care that speaks louder than words. Pop Swetnam had this incredible way of making you feel safe and seen. He had a sharp mind—probably the most intelligent person I've ever known—but he carried that intellect with humility. He took college courses just for the love of learning, and approached every task with care and excellence. Whether it was his beautiful yard, his home, or one of our many adventures, he gave his all. He was kind. He was generous. He loved his family deeply, wholly, and without condition. He also showed that same love to me—through my wild teenager years and beyond—offering patience, grace, and an open door. Pop Swetnam lived out his faith daily, not through grand gestures, but in the quiet, consistent way he treated others—with love, integrity, and humility. He was the perfect witness of a life well-lived. I miss him deeply. I'm forever grateful to have known him, and even more grateful to have been able to call him my "Pop".