SLINGERLANDS — “Norman Reynold Swanson, Ph.D., passed peacefully into Eternal Life on Oct. 12, 2023, from complications of Parkinson’s disease,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He passed during the night while sleeping. His wife, Ellen, was at his side.” He was 89.

He was born in New York City on Sept. 9, 1934 to Fabian and Klara Viktor Swanson, Swedish immigrants.

“The family, which included his older sister, Gloria, was living in Brooklyn at the time,” the tribute said. “When Norman was a young boy, his family moved to Mount Holly, New Jersey where his father started a small chicken farm.

“When Norman was 12, his father, Fabian, died suddenly on Oct. 12, 1946 from a blood clot. This was a very sad and difficult time for Norman and his family. To this very day, Norman still misses his father and hopes to be reunited with him in Heaven.

“Norman spent most of his growing up years in Mount Holly, graduating from Rancocas Valley Regional High School in 1952. After graduation, he went on to Villanova for a year but had to drop out because he was not able to afford to go there at the time.

“He joined the United States Navy in January 1954, spending most of his four years traveling aboard the ship the USS Maury, doing surveying work in the Caribbean, work that would help the National Aeronautics and Space Administration when returning astronauts used to be retrieved from the ocean on re-entry.

“After he was honorably discharged from the Navy, he used the GI Bill to complete his college education at the University at Albany, majoring in mathematics, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1961, his master’s degree in 1962, and eventually his doctorate in education in 1988.

“While earning his degrees at UAlbany, Norman also enjoyed taking history and art classes. Norman was always an excellent student and enjoyed learning and teaching. Norman started his teaching career teaching high school mathematics, spending a year in Middleburgh and three years in Berne.

“He was a professor of mathematics at Hudson Valley Community College for 27 years, retiring in 1993. While at HVCC, he earned many awards for his excellence in teaching.

“Norman had many interests and talents and belonged to many different organizations. He belonged to the Capital District Cadillac LaSalle Club for many years and always had a vintage Cadillac convertible. He enjoyed going on road trips with the club and showing his car at shows and attending Cadillac Grand National Shows across the country.

“Norman was a long-time member of the Guilderland Elks Lodge #2480 for many years. Norman was also a member of the Guttenburg #737 Masonic Lodge where he became the Worshipful Master from 1997-98.

“Norman was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a Korean War veteran. He was a longtime member of the McKownville United Methodist Church.

“In later years, Norman became interested in masters swimming. He competed in many swim meets and was very proud of his first-place award in breaststroke at the National Masters Swim Meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2005.

“Norman also spent time in his later years doing artwork. He belonged to the Albany Artists Group, serving as president of the group for 10 years, and showed many of his paintings at different shows. He also belonged to the Bethlehem Art Association, and to the Colonie Art League. Norman was a proud member of Mensa of Northeastern New York.

“Norman loved to travel and over the years he traveled to many places, far and wide. As a professor, he had summers off and took advantage of that to travel with his first wife to Europe and to every state in the United States except Alaska. He especially enjoyed Road Scholar programs and went to many places in the United States. He also did one in their international program in Paris.

“While traveling, Norman also became a collector of antiques and other collectibles. He was especially fond of his ginger-beer bottles, coins, and telephone insulators.

“In November 1997, Norman married Ellen Judge, the love of his life. The following summer, they traveled to Sweden, going to England, then the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark on the way. They spent two weeks visiting Swedish cousins and other family members in Sweden. Over the 26 years of their marriage, they traveled and collected and shared a wonderful life together.”

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Norman Reynold Swanson is survived by his wife, Ellen, and by his three nieces, Susan Gennett and her daughter, Danielle; Patricia Birch (Bob) and her children, Kevin Burr, Jennifer Stanhope (Neil), and Heather Ellingsworth; and Sandra Langan (Steve) and her children, Steven, Phillip (Ally), and Joe. He is also survived by 12 great-great nieces and nephews.

His parents, Fabian and Klara Swanson, died before him, as did his in-laws, Michael and Jean Judge; his sister, Gloria Gennett; his brother-in-law, Edward Gennett; a great niece, Lisa Burr McLaughlin; and three cousins, Naima, Kirsten and Gulli Nordh.

“We would like to thank the wonderful people from Home Instead who made it possible for Norman to be in his home with his wife, Ellen,” his family wrote. “Special thanks to Angela and Bill, and numerous others who loved and cared for Norman. And thanks to hospice nurses Kaitlyn, Dawn, and Chi and staff, who helped Norman with medical attention at home. You are all wonderful people and we were blessed to have you helping us.

Memorial contributions may be made to USO, to the Gary Sinise Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. service held at the McKownville United Methodist Church, 1565 Western Ave., Albany, NY 12203. Interment will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery with military honors.