Obituary of Walter A. Swanson

Walter A. Swanson “Arnie”, 93, husband of the late Patricia H. Swanson, and father of the late Leslie A. Swanson, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, in the early morning of January 2, 2024. Arnie was born on September 17, 1930, in Warren PA. He was the son of the late Arvid and Hilder Swanson. Arnie attended Warren High School and after graduation he enlisted in the army, where he served time in Korea as a communication technician. After being honorably discharged, he applied to and was accepted at Penn State college in Happy Valley PA. While there, he married Patricia and had his daughter Leslie. Upon graduation, he began working for General Telephone which caused him to move around quite frequently. His residences of note were: Erie PA, Seneca PA, Middletown NJ, Norwalk CT, Coppell TX, Warrenton VA, and Oldsmar FL. Arnie was an avid boater for most of his life and belonged to two notable maritime organizations: the Power Squadron of Erie PA and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 of Norwalk. For the Power Squadron, he did his initial training for seamanship and navigation, along with a great deal of volunteer work for their many charitable activities. He continued his training with the Coast Guard Auxiliary which ultimately led to him becoming Vice Commander of the Norwalk chapter. He was also a member of the Ischoda Yacht Club and the South Norwalk Boat Club. After moving to Texas, he continued his pattern of volunteer work by fulfilling his dream of becoming a Ham Radio Operator. Upon obtaining his license, he joined the Coppell Amateur Radio Enthusiasts, which perform a myriad of civic and emergency response functions. He was an avid golfer and volunteered every year for the Byron Nelsen Classic in Las Colinas TX. Arnie is survived by his son, Keith Swanson, and his daughter in-law, Kim Swanson, of Oldsmar FL; two granddaughters, Angela Swanson of Herndon VA, as well as Austine McDonald and her husband Alex McDonald of Mechanicsville VA; two great grand children Aidan Swanson of Herndon VA and Laurelin McDonald of Mechanicsville VA. In addition to his wife Patricia and daughter Leslie, Arnie was predeceased by his brother Edward and sister Alice. A small graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on January 18, 2024 at Riverside Cemetery. The address is as follows: 81 Riverside Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850. The service will be followed by his internment. All arrangements are being coordinated through Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 866-0747. Donations in his name may be made to the Penn State Alumni Association at http://www.alumni.psu.edu/