David John Swanson

David John Swanson died peacefully at Samaritan Hospital on Saturday, April 2 in Troy, NY at the age of 76, after a lengthy illness.

Dave is survived by his wife, M. Marie Swanson; children, Christopher (Kristin) Swanson, Curt (Beth) Swanson, Colleen (Jamie) Roberts, Carol (Douglas) Thornton; 8 grandchildren, Rebecca (Adam) Steiner, Nicolas Swanson, Samuel (Sarah) Swanson, Emily Swanson, Genevieve Swanson, Jacob Swanson, Ava Swanson, Talia Thornton; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Judy Dover (Beloit, WI), Julia Heckman (Loves Park, IL), Daniel (Sharon) Swanson (Chino Valley, AZ), Paul (Sharon) Swanson (Beloit, WI), Dixie Claeyssen (Rockford, IL), Linda Livingston (Rockford, IL). He is preceded in death by his parents Burnett and Elizabeth Swanson, and his sister MaryLou Bryant.

Dave was born on April 20, 1939 in Roscoe, IL. He graduated from Harlem High School in Loves Park, IL in 1957. He married M. Marie Paulson, after a blind date and a 4 month whirlwind courtship, and was married for 52 years. He served in the Navy, and later worked at the National Weather Service. He left that job to dedicate his life to serving Christ, and became an ordained minister. In addition, he was self-employed. Throughout his life, he has lived in 7 states, and always enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping and adventure. In retirement, he was a puzzle enthusiast. Dave always enjoyed making music, and played at least 5 instruments.

Visitation will be Thursday April 7, 10:30am-12:30pm, with a memorial service to follow at 12:30pm at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY. Interment will be at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Community Hospice at 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144.