It truly was the end of an era when 87-year-old Jerry Swantek retired after working 65 years with the same company.
WALLINGFORD, CT — It truly was the end of an era this week when 87-year-old Jerry Swantek said goodbye to Specialty Cable Corporation in Wallingford after 65 years with the company.
Swantek, a Meriden resident, officially retired Monday and was honored with a ceremony that included a visit from Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, who presented him with a proclamation from Gov. Ned Lamont.
Specialty Cable Corporation (SCC), located at 2 Tower Drive, is a small manufacturing company that specializes in producing flight critical, wire and cable for the aerospace industry and serves both commercial and military sectors.
Swantek said he “never imagined” he would be at Specialty Cable, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, for 65 years when he first started as a 22-year-old.
“At 22, did I think I would still be here at 87, I did not,” he said with a laugh.
“SCC has given many opportunities to move up and grow with the company, so I just took those opportunities as they were presented,” Swantek said.
Alicia DiDominzio, the human resources manager at Specialty Cable Corporation, said Swantek has been an “integral part of SCC through numerous acquisitions and transitions.”
Swantek held various positions, including production scheduling and department manager for many years, and is “renowned for his exceptional work ethic and dedication,” according to DiDominzio.
DiDominzio said that after taking a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Jerry returned to work, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to SCC.”
“His performance and productivity have consistently surpassed expectations, often outpacing much younger colleagues,” she said.
DiDominzio said Swantek is “highly regarded by everyone at SCC for his kindness, sense of humor, and active lifestyle.”
“His resilience and vitality are admired by all who know him,” she said.
With his 65-year tenure coming to an end, Swantek said he’s “going to miss the people the most.”
“This was really my second family,” he said. “However, my head tells me I can keep going, but my body feels differently.”
Swantek said liking the people he’s had the opportunity to work with and mentor over the years helped keep him going all this time.
“I did consider retiring at 65, but SCC went from four owners down to one owner, Carl Shanahan, who currently still owns SCC, and he really did wonders for SCC and the people that work here,” Swantek said. “He was always very kind to me and really made the company feel like a family. He wanted me to become shop supervisor at that time, but I felt we needed to give some of our younger workers more opportunity, so I asked if I could stay on as Production Control Manager and train some of the younger employees. I do enjoy mentoring and have had the opportunity to mentor some great people over the years.”
Owner Carl Shanahan said Swantek will be “sorely missed” at the company.
“Jerry’s unbelievable longevity at Specialty Cable Corp is not only a reflection of his amazing commitment to this company, but also it reflects the great corporate culture that exists within the company,” Shanahan said.
Swantek’s advice on picking a career is to “do what you feel passionate about, or at the very least work for a good company that allows you to balance your work and life.”
“Carl and [CEO] Kim (Bowen)have always understood the importance of family,” Swantek said. “It makes you feel good coming to work when you know the company cares.
“I consider SCC my second home. Many of the employees here have been here for a long time, 20, 30, 40-plus years, and you build a bond with them and learn how to work well together and solve problems as a team.”
Now that he’s finally retiring, Swantek said he’s planning on doing a “lot of gardening, go on a few cruises and spend some quality time with my dog and my husband, for as long as I am physically able.”
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