June 17, 1939 – September 4, 2025
Age 86
Visitation:
Friday, September 12, 2025
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Prayer service to begin at 7:00 pm
Funeral:
Saturday, September 13, 2025
9:00am
Family and friends will gather at Donza Funeral Home for prayer
before proceeding to the cemetery
Interment:
St. Lawrence the Martyr Cemetery
401 Lakeland Avenue
Sayville, New York
11782
On September 4, 2025, Peter Darrell Swanson passed away unexpectedly at his home in East Rockaway, NY. He was 86 years old. Peter lived in East Rockaway for 48 years with his beloved wife of 59 years, Jeanne (Tomich). He was a loving father to Kenneth (Margaret), Lynda Rubino (Carmine), and Kevin (Lori). Peter was an extremely proud grandfather of Victoria, Emily, Kathleen and Bridget. He was also a very special brother-in-law and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Pete was a true son of Red Hook, Brooklyn, the only child of Edward and Myrtle Swanson. Growing up on Dikeman St in Red Hook, Pete was surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, especially those from Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. Church. As a graduate of Brooklyn Prep High School, he excelled as a lettered member of the Varsity Tennis Team. He was drafted into the United States Army and achieved the rank of Private First Class while stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in South Florida during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He met his future bride while vacationing with friends at Culvermere Resort and Hotel in NJ. After his discharge from service, they married on June 4, 1966, at St. Raymonds R.C. Church in East Rockaway.
Pete attended night school and graduated from Fordham University with a Marketing Degree. Working in pharmaceutical sales, he moved with his family to Miami, FL and Lawrenceville, GA. When they decided to return to New York, they settled in Jeanne’s hometown of East Rockaway.
Pete attended Polytechnic University in Brooklyn and received a Masters Degree in Technical Management and started his second career as a dedicated New York City High School Teacher. Over 20 years, he taught Marketing, Mathematics, and Computer Science at several schools, including Thomas Edison HS in Queens, George Westinghouse HS in Brooklyn, and Murray Bergtraum HS in Manhattan. He also taught Computer Science classes and high school summer programs at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn. As a way to give back to his old neighborhood, he tutored individuals earning their GED through the Red Hook Community Justice Center. He told many stories about his adventurous years of teaching.
Pete had a true love of learning and was interested in many things. He loved sailboats, Beluga whales, and the Miami Dolphins, NY Mets and NY Islanders. He sang in choirs all over Long Island, Brooklyn and New York City. He never stopped reading and educating himself on his family heritage, including teaching himself to speak Quebec French and Swedish. He also loved passing on his stories and many life lessons to his children, granddaughters, and anyone else who would listen! He will be missed.
In Lieu of Flowers donations to:
Having just sat with Pete last week and reminisced about Sailing on the Great South Bay out of Sayville, we were so shocked to learn of his passing. My friend and brother-in-law for over fifty years, he was a mentor to me during my teenage years growing up in south Florida. We saw Jaws on the big screen in Cape Coral when it debuted fifty years ago. He was so kind to my Mother and Father, a devoted husband to my sister Jeanne and a great Dad to Kenny, Lynda and Kevin. It was truly a privilege knowing and sharing laughs with him throughout the years. Thanks Pete for being an important part of our family.
To all the Swansons.
I learned of your Dad’s passing yesterday. Beverly Johnson was kind enough to share the news. Jeanne and I were colleagues at Brooklyn Poly which was where I met Pete. He was an impressive educator, working at the DOE and Poly. Your Mom and Dad were true role models for me and my family.
Hoping Mom is doing well. I learned of her illness as well. Please say hello to her for me. I am in Italy at the moment and will not be able to attend Dad’s funeral Mass. Warm regards to all.
I remember Pete as such a kind soul from my days in East Rockaway. I met him when he was dating his wife Jeanne. They have such a beautiful family. My late mom Carole DeRosa met Lynda when she was attending Lemoyne college. Mom worked in the library. So sorry your family is going through all of this.
I will definitely miss talking to Pete over the fence. He always seemed to know when I was there. Jim St John.
A Poem For Peter
️️
In Brooklyn's heart, where stories weave,
Lived a man named Peter, who taught us to believe.
A loving son, a husband dear,
A father, grandfather, his legacy clear.
With Jeanne beside him, their bond so tight,
Their children, Ken, Lynda, and Kevin, a joyful sight.
Four grand daughters, each a shining star,
Victoria, Emily, Kathleen, and Bridget, near and far.
A Renaissance man with talents vast,
In every role, he embraced the past.
From teaching minds in the NYC scene,
To cheering for his teams, his spirit keen.
On courts and seas, he found his grace,
With a racket or sail, he'd set the pace.
In choirs he'd sing, his voice filled with cheer,
Each note a reminder of love held dear.
He cherished his roots, languages learned,
Quebec French and Swedish, his passion burned.
With kindness and wit, he lit up the day,
In every encounter, he'd find a way.
Pete, you blessed us, your love a guide,
In our hearts forever, you'll always reside.
Your legacy lives on, in stories retold,
A life rich in love, more precious than gold.
We love you always,
The Tomich Family
Kathy & John
Cindy & Matt
Thinking of you dear Lynda. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be praying for the comfort of you and your beautiful family. Sending love your way. Jennifer Duffy and The Girls
I first met Jeanne in Brooklyn Poly in 1993. I was a freshmen at the time and going through a challenging period in my life. Jeanne was the first person that greeted me when I returned to school after an extended absence. I will always remember how nice and kind she treated me. I wish Jeanne only the best. Through Jeanne I met Peter. Peter being equally nice and kind. It has been an honor and privilege to have known Peter. Peter always had a great attitude and always had the ability to brighten up the room with his presence and smile. I will miss his story telling. I learned many lessons from him. I am grateful to have known him. I will cherish our friendship always. May he rest in peace. The Swanson family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Lynda, Kenny, Kevin, and family, I'm so sorry. I just heard the announcement at mass this morning. I had a nice conversation and a hug with your dad a few weeks ago, visiting your dear mom. I first met Pete and Jeanne ages ago when we bowled in Deacon Bob Campbell's Sunday afternoon league in Oceanside. I always thought they were the nicest couple ever. We ran into each other again at mass a few years ago. One day, I stopped by the house and Pete told me about the bowling lessons he would give. I think he was a real competitor! Prayers for your dear father. My heart goes out to you all.
Lynda & Carmine,
Please accept the most heartfelt sympathies of Le Moyne College. We hope the love and memories that you will forever hold in your heart bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.