After a wonderful life, Elvin "Al" Swanson, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the

age of 95. He was the devoted husband to his "darling" Marianne for 62 years prior to her

passing in 2019.

A loving father, grandfather (Farfar), great grandfather, brother, uncle and

friend, he is survived by his children; Gary Swanson (LuAnne) and Debra Rath (Mark),

Grandchildren; Christine Dykshoorn (Dave), Allison Swanson, Thomas Swanson, Ashley

Lanzalaco (Anthony) and Sean Rath (Kaycee), Great grandchildren; Jack, Owen, Chase, Parker,

Connor, Gavin and brother; Alf Oster, niece and nephews.

Elvin was born in Palmer, Massachusetts to parents of Finnish descent. He returned to Finland

with his mother and brothers after the sudden death of his father. Because he was a U.S.

citizen by birth, Elvin returned to New York at 17. He worked in a bakery before he traveled to

Detroit and worked in an automobile factory.

Elvin was drafted into the Korean War. He was a U.S. Marine and served on the front lines

running mortars. Just a few days shy of being discharged, Elvin suffered shrapnel injuries to

his legs and lungs and received a Purple Heart. He was medevacked to a Red Cross ship,

rehabilitating from his injuries in both Hawaii and New York.

Elvin was a hard worker who built a successful home building business, first in the Bronx and

later in Rockland and Orange counties in New York. He was creative and talented. He enjoyed

gardening, woodworking, model trains and liked to keep busy.

Elvin loved his family. In retirement, he and Marianne spent their winter months in Ft. Myers,

Florida. He was grateful for everything and everyone in his life. He was a generous, caring

man. He had a kind spirit, a great sense of humor and touched all those who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

A graveside celebration of life will be held in May.

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com