Gary Swanson

Gary David Swanson (U.S. Army Lt.Col., retired) of Albuquerque, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died April 26, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on May 2, 1939, to Warner and Viola (Swanson) Swanson in New Castle, PA.

He graduated from Bessemer High School in Bessemer, PA, in 1957 and from Youngstown University in Youngstown, OH, in 1962 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering degree. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at this time. During his 21-year Army career, he served in several states and in Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. He received a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering degree from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, in January 1971 during his service. He also graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, in June 1978. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After his retirement, he worked for BDM International Inc. (now a part of Northrop Grumman) for 10 years and Enterprise Advisory Services Inc. for four years, both in Albuquerque. He worked as the Subject Matter Expert in Government Property Management at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque as a contractor for 10 years prior to his retirement in 2009. He was a Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM) and a Consulting Fellow (CF) in the National Property Management Association (NPMA).

Gary attended St. Chad's Episcopal Church from 1986 until his death. He sang in the choir and was active in many activities there. He served three terms on the Vestry, serving as Senior Warden for six years and Junior Warden for one. He was active in the St. Chad's Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and served as its President for many years. He served on the St. Chad's Foundation Board of Directors for two terms, serving as the President of the Board for two years.

He loved and cherished his wife, children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie (McRae); son David Swanson (Teresa); daughter Jennifer Swanson (Bob McElheney); daughter-in-law Nikki Swanson; granddaughters Amanda Corbett (Levi) and Ashton Swanson; grandson Kaiden Swanson; and great-grandson Judah. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cynthia McRae, brother-in-law, Wayne McRae (Christine) and his nephews, Ian McRae, of Denver, and Brett Swanson and Christopher Swanson, both of Columbus, OH; and numerous other family members and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Warner and Viola Swanson; his sister, Sheridan Swanson; and his brother, Bill Swanson.

A service will be held a St. Chad's Episcopal Church, 7171 Tennyson NE, Albuquerque on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gary's name to St. Chad's Episcopal Church choir or the Southern Poverty Law Center.