Donald Swanton, 69, Investment Expert

Donald Swanton of Dayton Lane, East Hampton, a recognized expert on investment tax credits, died on Sept. 23 at Southampton Hospital of coronary thrombosis. He was 69.

Mr. Swanton’s career began when, having received an engineering degree, he was on the team at Grumman Aircraft in Farmingdale, where he helped design the first lunar lander. He subsequently became a certified public accountant.

He was born in Brooklyn on Oct. 16, 1947, one of two sons of the former Marie Brown and Herbert Swanton. He grew up in Valley Stream and graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola. His engineering degree was from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. He then obtained a master’s degree in business from Adelphi University.

As a C.P.A., he worked for Coopers & Lybrand and then for Ernst & Young. During this time, he also wrote a book on his investment expertise. In his leisure time, Mr. Swanton enjoyed running and sailing, and kept a boat in Sag Harbor. He also was a pilot and a licensed flight instructor. 

He was married to the former Elizabeth Davies of Holmes Beach, Fla., who survives, but the marriage ended in divorce. Their daughter, Mollie Swanton, also of Holmes Beach, survives, as does a brother, Robert Swanton of New York City. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in East Hampton, with the Rev. Ryan Creamer presiding. Mr. Swanton was cremated and his ashes were buried at St. John’s Cemetery in Woodhaven.