Donald A. E. Swanson Jr.

He was the beloved son of the late Alice (Lundberg) and Donald Swanson Sr. He was born in Rockport, MA in 1932. The family moved to Arlington where he would attend Arlington High School, graduating in 1951. It was there he met his high school sweetheart, Elinore Corcoran, whom he would marry in 1955.

Don attend UMass Amherst where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He pitched for the UMass baseball team that went to the 1954 College World Series. After leaving school, Don signed with the Chicago Cubs organization and would go on to play 4 years of professional ball, reaching triple A level before calling it quits to spend more time with his growing family.

Don loved sports and spent years coaching and running youth baseball and hockey programs for the town of Burlington. Don was a popular figure in town and had many great stories to tell about his time with kids and parents.

Don especially loved spending time with his family. “Papa”, as he was known, was the central figure in all Swanson family activities. He was the only family member able to carry a tune and his presence was required at all birthday and Christmas parties! Papa was very proud to have close relationships with all 16 of his grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife Elinore of 71+ years and his six children; Steve & Nancy Swanson, Donna & Paul Reilly, Kerry & Michael Villandry, Bill & Sue Swanson, David & Patty Swanson and Krista & Tom Eason, his grandchildren; Michael, Katie, Danny, Erin, Nicole, Donna, Sean, Noelle, Lora, Jillian, Amy, Molly, Connor, Griffin, Tim and Kevin. In addition, there are 21 great grandchildren!

Visiting hours will be held at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Tuesday March 24 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by a funeral Mass that will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Chapel, Yarmouth Port, MA at 10:30 am.

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