John M. Swenson

John Michael Swenson, 84, passed away on April 19, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Through his enduring faith, he is now reunited with his beloved wife, Barbara (Waite) Swenson.
John, born on March 19, 1941, in San Diego, CA, was the beloved son of the late Lawrence Swenson and Anne (Reardon) Swenson. A devoted father, he is lovingly remembered by his children, Michael Swenson and Kirsten (Swenson) Carter, both of Melrose, MA. He was a cherished grandfather to Reid and Paige Carter, also of Melrose, MA.
John was a dear brother to the late Lawrence Swenson, Boston, MA, Susan (Yukon) Swenson, Grantsville, UT, the late Marvin Swenson, Elko, NV, and Matthew Swenson, Grantsville, UT. He was a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin to many, cherished for his warm heart and remarkable ability to connect instantly with everyone he encountered.
John honorably served in the United States Navy, a chapter in his life that not only demonstrated his patriotism but also highlighted his unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice. His time in the military was marked by discipline, resilience, and a profound devotion to the values of integrity, teamwork, and loyalty. These formative experiences shaped his character and became enduring principles that guided him well beyond his years in uniform. Whether in his professional work as an architect, his role as a devoted husband and father, or his contributions to his community and church, John consistently embodied the spirit of service to others. His military service was not just a period of duty, it reflected a lifelong dedication to living with purpose and selflessness.
As an architect, John's career took his family to several cities, including Denver, CO, Portland, ME, and Boston, MA. Throughout his life, John was guided by resilient faith, boundless creativity, a heart for service, and deep compassion for others. From a young age, he showed a natural curiosity about the world and a strong passion for the arts-interests that would inspire and guide him throughout his life's journey.
John pursued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. His time at these institutions cultivated his artistic talents and laid the foundation for both his architectural career and his lifelong passion for drawing and painting. Whether rendering scenes from memory or depicting moments in vivid color, John consistently turned to his art as a source of fulfillment and meaningful expression.
Though John faced a courageous battle with cancer for several years, his strength and spirit never faltered. His unwavering faith sustained him through every obstacle he encountered. He undoubtedly left an indelible impression on the many doctors, nurses, and staff he encountered at the Mass General Cancer Center in both Danvers and Boston, forming meaningful friendships that reflected his warmth and kindness. In the end, it was not the illness that defined his final days, but the deep and enduring ache in his heart-a profound longing for his beloved wife-that stayed with him to the very end.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM in the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St, Melrose at 11:00 AM. Family & Friend's respectfully invited to attend. Interment will follow in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mass General Cancer Center in memory of John Michael Swenson.