Thomas R. Swan

Thomas R. Swan September 10, 2011 Thomas R. Swan, 76, passed away peacefully with his beloved family by his side on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Crouse Hospital, after a 20-year-long valiant battle with cancer. Tom was the son of the late Frances (Healy) and Dr. Daniel J. Swan of Flushing, NY. Tom is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Mary Gene (McDermott) Swan of Jamesville, NY, and his sole surviving brother, Francis "Zack" (Suzanne) Swan of Laurel Beach, Milford, CT. Family and friends were the most important part of Tom's life, and he was infinitely proud of his four children and the families that they have raised. Tom leaves behind his son, Thomas R. (Suzanne Haviland) Swan Jr. of Coventry, CT, Michael E. (Anne) Swan of Jamesville, NY, Margaret S. "Maggie" (Christopher) Prosak of Jamesville, NY, and Patrick D. (Maura) Swan of Clifton Park, NY. Tom was most fulfilled by the lives of his 10 wonderful grandchildren, and in recent years he and Mary Gene have centered their lives on spending time with them and celebrating their accomplishments. He adored Molly Swan, Patrick "Pocket" Swan, Tara Prosak, Lauren Swan, Maire Prosak, Kallen Prosak, Michael J. Swan, Emma Prosak, Nora Prosak and Mirae Swan. They all are fortunate to have known his unconditional love. In addition Tom was an integral part of the lives of his many relatives and close friends. He was one of nine children and dearly loved his 39 nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by seven loving siblings, Daniel J. Swan, William E. Swan, Robert H. Swan, Mary "Tilly" Godfrey, John L. Swan, James F. Swan and Frederick L. Swan. Tom is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Marcia (Holmes) Swan of Tully, NY, and Marian (Gates) Swan of Massapequa, NY. Tom grew up in Flushing, NY, and Laurel Beach, Milford, CT, and attended Saint Mary's High School in Manhassett, NY. After graduation he proudly attended Le Moyne College, where he met his wife, Mary Gene, in 1953. In 2007 Tom and Mary Gene celebrated their 50th year reunion of their graduation with their classmates. Tom has served Le Moyne as a volunteer in different alumni positions over the years. After college Tom and his brother James F. Swan of Syracuse became the proprietors of Swan & Company Jewelers in the Hotel Syracuse, and together they ran a reputable and honest business for several years. Later in life Tom worked for the state of New York in various positions of responsibility, and he spent some time as a real estate agent serving the Central New York area. Tom and Mary Gene raised their family in Jamesville, NY, a community he proudly called his new hometown. Tom was a parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Jamesville, NY, until its period of closure. He served on the parish council and was both a lector and a Eucharistic minister. Tom was also a communicant of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Manlius, NY. Tom loved to travel with Mary Gene to visit their family and friends. Tom was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He lived his life with humor, dignity and class, and he leaves a legacy of love and generosity. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ann's Church Manlius, NY. Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel, 3690 Erie Blvd. E., DeWitt, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Save Saint Mary's Fund, PO Box 441, Jamesville, NY 13078 or the Le Moyne College Alumni Board Scholarship Fund, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13214.