Donald R. Swenson

Newport, NH -  Donald Swenson, 82, passed away on September, 12, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born on May 21, 1935 to Edward and Clista (Burnett) Swenson in Newport, NH.

He graduated from Towle High School in 1953. He began working as a machinist and spent the majority of his career employed at Z &W Machine. He married the woman of his dreams, Marjorie Currier and the couple welcomed three daughters into their warm and loving home.

His children remember him as a hero. He was the type of father who was always ready to greet them with a smile. Kind, loving, and selfless, Don would always have a shoulder to lean on when his girls needed it. He was more than a father, he was a true friend. Nothing made him happier than being with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Donald was an accomplished painter and created portraits of family members. He proudly served in the NH Army National Guard from 1957 to 1963 and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. 

Don loved fishing, hunting, and reading. He was a passionate Red Sox fan and an absolute history buff.

Don was dedicated to attending class reunions and often kept in contact with his classmates.

Don is predeceased by his parents; his wife; Marjorie; and his brother, Lawrence Swenson of Newport, NH.

Surviving family members include his daughters, Cathy Gagnon and her husband Thomas of Goshen, NH, Linda Branch and her husband Albert of Newport, NH, Susan Cunningham and her husband Vince of Grantham, NH; sister, Lois Aiken and husband Robert of Croydon, NH; grandchildren, Jessie Leigh Hough, Jason Gagnon, Melissa Branch, Joseph Branch, Kayleigh Cunningham, and Kendra Cunningham; and great-grandchildren, Riddock LaClair, Brailyn Dubois, and Sophia Jones.

Calling hours will be held from 6-8 PM at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773 on Friday, September 15, 2017. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home at 2 PM, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery. Reverend John Monroe-Cassel will officiate the ceremony.

All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 2209, New London, NH 03257. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.newtonbartlett.com.

Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Service Information