Deacon George J. Swanson of Bayville parish dies at 82

July 10, 2025 at 2:29 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 12 in St. Barnabas Church, Bayville, for Deacon George J. Swanson who died July 7. He was 82.

Born in 1943 in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in Levittown, N.Y., Deacon Swanson lived in several places before settling in Bayville in 1972.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he trained and worked as a jet mechanic. Over the years he repaired copy machines, was a certified delivery driver and operated his own auto detailing business. He also worked in sales.

Deacon Swanson was ordained a deacon May 13, 2006, by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and was assigned to St. Barnabas Parish. He and his wife, Connie, taught religious education and Pre-Cana classes. He also visited area nursing homes to pray with and bring the Eucharist to Catholic residents. He also assisted grieving families and presided over wakes and funerals.

Deacon Swanson also served as chaplain of the Beachwood Fire Department, offering spiritual support to local first responders.

Deacon Swanson was predeceased by his two sisters.

Along with his wife of 60 years, Connie, he is survived by three sons, James (Dana), Ronald (Karen) and Sean (Kristen); seven grandchildren; four siblings and their spouses, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Committal will be private for the family at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown.

Memorial donations may be made toward Alzheimer’s research at the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, www.curealz.org.