Dr. Michael W. Swanson

1942 - 2018

GREENFIELD – Michael Swanson of Greenfield died on Wednesday afternoon, October 24th, with his family at his side. He was born on July 9, 1942 in Lansing Michigan, to parents Dorothy (Noggle) and Carl Swanson. Mike grew up in Towson, MD. Following his graduation from the Gilman School in Baltimore, he attended Wesleyan University, graduating in 1965. From there he continued his education, graduating from Harvard Medical School in 1969. After graduation from medical school, Mike went on to surgical internship and residency at Boston City Hospital, completing the urology residency program in 1975. He practiced as a board certified urologist in Greenfield from July 1975 until his retirement in July 2001.

While growing up in Maryland, Mike was fortunate to be introduced to mineralogist Paul Desautels, curator of the Department of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Paul's influence lead Mike to enjoy a lifelong hobby of studying minerals starting out as a fourteen year old member of the Baltimore Mineral Society. He made lifelong friends after joining the Micromounters of New England mineral club. He took great pleasure in trips with friends to collect in quarries and attend the yearly Rochester Mineral Symposium . He also enjoyed using Goshen and Ashfield stone, creating walkways, walls and patios for his home. He was delighted with all that Franklin County offered: boating on the Connecticut River, collecting concretions from the banks of the Sawmill River, hiking the many trails with his rescue dog, Toodles, and all the arts, crafts and festivals.

He leaves his wife of 48 years, Martha Ruth (Asbury) Swanson and son Carl Swanson of Greenfield, daughter Meghan Swanson Amodeo, her husband Vincent Amodeo and two wonderful grandsons, Max and Sam Amodeo of Lagrange, NY. He is also survived by a sister, Ann Swanson Stern and her husband Edward of Waban, MA and several nieces and nephews.

At Mike's request immediate arrangements are private. A memorial gathering will be announced at a future date. Expressions of remembrance may be made to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, 01376 or Warm the Children in care of the Recorder, PO Box 1367, Greenfield, MA, 01302. The family extends thanks and appreciation to Walker Funeral Home of Greenfield for their kindness and support at this very difficult time.