Carl A. Swanson

Carl Swanson, 94, of Durham, NC passed away peacefully on Thursday April 17th, 2025 after a period of declining health.

Carl was born March 17th, 1931 in Boston, MA, the son of John and Elvira (Lilja) Swanson.

He graduated from the High School of Commerce in Boston, MA in 1949 and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Upsala College in East Orange, N.J in 1954, with further studies at Penn State and Clark University.

From an early age, Carl was ambitious and a hard worker, actively participating in various leadership roles, including Freshman class -President, Upsala College Choir - Vice President, Student Council - Vice President, and Theta Epsilon Fraternity- President.

Carl loved to sing, and was an avid member of the Upsala College Choir with whom he performed extensively in the region.

A proud patriot, Carl served with the United States Army and United States Army Reserves. He was part of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). After eight years of dedicated service, he was honorably discharged in December of 1962, but remained a steadfast supporter of the rights and dignity of military veterans throughout his life.

In 1957, Carl married the love of his life, Doris V. Swanson of Roslindale, MA. They shared 64 years of devoted marriage and were blessed with three children. Together they lived in Newtown, CT, Holden, MA, and Sharon, NH.

Carl started his career in 1959 with Exxon Company, USA, in the Sales and Marketing division where he was responsible for the Northeast region. After almost 33 years of service, he retired in 1992.

Carl was an ardent World War II history buff, loved to read, and go to the movies. He enjoyed camping with family, going to concerts, and traveling to Europe with his wife to revisit their Scandinavian heritage together.

Carl often spoke of his life as one long path with every step having a purpose and a new opportunity. He always looked at his glass half full, always had time to listen and offer a helping hand. He felt blessed that he met and fell in love with his wife, Doris, wealthy with the many long-term friendships he had, and proud of his Swedish and Finnish heritage. Carl was an active member of the Advent Lutheran Church in Rindge NH where he served as Council President.

Carl was predeceased by his loving wife Doris, his parents John and Elvira Swanson and his brother Perry R. Berry of Chicago, IL. He is survived by his three children Diane Junell and husband Bradley of Cary, N.C, David Swanson of Bangkok, Thailand, and Kurt Swanson of Boston, MA; his grandchildren Victoria Junell of Raleigh, NC and Nathan Junell and his wife, Mary, and his great grandchildren Sterling and Atticus of Raleigh, NC.

Carl’s family welcomes all family and friends to join them for a funeral service which will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Advent Lutheran Church, 137 US Route 202, Rindge, NH 03461. Committal will take place immediately following the service at North Cemetery on McCoy Road, Sharon, NH, 03458.

A special thank you to the medical staff and hospice team with Pruitt Health in Durham, NC.

Donations can be made in Carl’s name to the Advent Lutheran Church, 137 US Route 202, Rindge, NH, 03461.