David Swanson

DAVID B. SWANSON, 76 Chemical Engineer, Director of Research with Engelhard Corporation On Friday, November 2, 2012, Dave Swanson gave up his 3 ½ year fight with lung cancer. The eldest son of George and Clara (Greenwood) Swanson of Union was born on December 14, 1935, at Beth Israel hospital in Newark. He was raised and educated in Union Township, staying in contact with childhood friends he first met at Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church, Washington Elementary School and Union High School. After graduation in 1953, he attended Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957. He returned to NCE to earn a Masters Degree in the same subject in 1962. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2-4, 7-9 pm at Gray Memorial Home, 12 Springfield Avenue, Cranford. Life celebration services will be 10 am Friday at First Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Graceland Memorial Park. Please visit grayfuneralhomes@aol.com for online condolences Dave began his work life with ESSO in Bayway, but after a few years took a position with Minerals and Chemicals Corporation in Iselin, NJ. He remained there through several promotions and corporate name changes until retiring as Director of Research Services from Engelhard Corporation in 1994 after 35 years of service. On October 11, 1958, Dave married his dearest love, Marie Del Russo, and they raised their three children in Cranford, where they came to live in 1967. Dave and Marie were active bridge players and Dave achieved the rank of master with the American Contract Bridge League. They vacationed every year with their kids in Cape Cod, and they traveled as much as they could, especially after Dave's retirement. Dave enjoyed playing golf and racquetball, and gained strength of character by being a fan of the Mets, Giants and Rangers. Dave cared for his wife for many years until he lost her to Alzheimer's Disease in 2004, but joyfully married a second time to Amy Aaroe on October 21, 2006. Dave and Amy joined the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford in 2007 where Dave served as an usher and Trustee. Dave was predeceased by his parents; his brother Donald; his wife, Marie; brother- and sister-in-law, John and Phyllis Del Russo, and brother-in-law Robert Del Russo. Dave is survived by his wife, Amy, and his children, Donna Paduano (Mike) of Toms River, David (Lisa) of Pittstown, and Paul (Holly) of Palm City, Florida. Also grieving are his granddaughters: Jamie Swanson Reichenbach; Angela and Maria Paduano; and Emma, Clara, and Olivia Swanson. Dave is also survived by his mother-in-law, Emma Aaroe of Woodbridge; step-daughter Kirsten Beck of Manhattan; and step-grandson Kristopher Beck. The Del Russo cousins, spouses, and children also grieve the loss of Uncle Dave. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated for the mission budget of the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital of New York City.