Peter Darrell "Pete" Swanson

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.