Obituary: Russell Frederick Swanson, 80, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Russell Frederick Swanson died Sunday March 6, 2022, at Middlesex Memorial Hospital in Middletown. Russell was born April 7, 1941, in New Haven, Connecticut, a son of the late Elma Jorgensen Swanson and Sven Frederick Swanson.

Russell grew up in East Haven, Connecticut, and graduated from East Haven High School in 1959. He worked for the First National grocery store and became the Manager by the age of 21. Russell served in the United States Army as well as the Army Reserves. While in high school, he became a volunteer firefighter at the East Haven Fire Department. Russell then became a full-time firefighter in East Haven and rose up through the ranks to become a Battalion Chief. In addition, Russell sold fire equipment, eventually opening his own fire equipment business, Shoreline Fire Equipment.

An avid runner, Russ was a member of the Sleeping Giant Pacers for many years, running in the New Haven Road Race dozens of times, and celebrated as one of the few runners who ran in the original race. He also ran for many years in the Branford Road Race, Madison Jaycees Turkey Trot, and several New York City Marathons, including 1998 with his niece, Marlene. He also completed Bike New York, a five-borough bike tour, close to a dozen times, always bringing along family and friends. In later years, Russ grew to enjoy swimming, both in Long Island Sound and the local pool.

Family gatherings were incredibly important to Russ, especially at Club 66, and he was usually at the center of the activity. He attended his great niece’s and nephew’s school and sports activities and was proud of their achievements. Provincetown was a special place to Russ, and he spent several summers and weekends there, joined by friends and family. Russ regularly met friends for coffee and enjoyed hearing what was happening in their lives. He was a lifelong member of the Masons, and a proud friend of Bill W. for over forty years, through which he mentored many others. Russ was also a participant in Stonewall Speakers, giving talks at high schools in the area. He appreciated classic cars and owned several over the years. No matter what car it was, he took pride in keeping it immaculate.

Russell was predeceased by his parents and brother, Ronald Christian Swanson. He is survived by his sister, Lois Shine Lehr (Blake), Sister-in-Law, Astrid L. Swanson, and several nieces and nephews: Eric Shine (Laura), Elizabeth Shine Nace (Richard), Marlene Shine Fitzmaurice, Kurt Swanson (Janet), Karl Swanson, Kraig Swanson, and Keith Swanson (Bronwyn). Also, his great nieces and nephews: Quinn Olivia Nace, Morgan Nace, Griffin Fitzmaurice, Tatum Fitzmaurice, Julie Swanson, Jake Swanson, Jeffrey Swanson, Marisa Swanson, Tanner Swanson, and Colin Swanson. He is also survived by several step nieces and nephews: Steven Lehr (Vicki), Tracy Roth (Mike), Kristin Nero (Joe), Stephanie Hoffman, and Stuart Lehr (Nichole).

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service Saturday March 12th at 11:00 in the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, and may call from 10:00 until the time of the service. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery in East Haven.

Donations to Forgotten Felines, 153 Horse Hill Road, Westbrook, CT 06498 and The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut online or by mail at 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT 06492.