Dr Warren Alfred Swanson

7/15/1936 - 4/16/2023

Waterford - Dr. Warren Swanson passed into eternal life Sunday, April 16, 2023, surrounded by family. Warren was born Warren Alfred Swanson, the son of Carl and Edith Swanson, July 15, 1936. He is survived by his children, Gregg, Gary (Peggy), Lynn (Mike) Castelpoggi; former daughter-in-law, Rachel; grandchildren, Krista, Erik, Jake, Karli, Joey, Hannah, Michael, and Daniel; and his brother-in-law, David Anderson (Carole) and their children. He was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Karen (Anderson); his daughter Lori; and his grandson, Andrew.

Warren grew up in East Hampton and enjoyed summers at Lake Pocotopaug, where he met Karen. The Hartford Courant later recognized him as one of the top three athletes of all time from East Hampton. In 1958, he graduated from Springfield College and started teaching and coaching at Mitchell College. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from the University of Connecticut and his doctorate of philosophy from Heed University.

In his ten years as soccer coach at Mitchell College, he won two national championships, was runner-up twice, and won eight New England championships. Shortly thereafter, he became the Dean of Students at Mitchell.

He coached the first Connecticut U18 State Soccer Team in 1971, continued for 12 years, and never had a losing season. He was a founding member and served as the First Vice President of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA), was a life member of the CJSA, was the Director of Player Development for the Hartford Bicentennials, and was head coach at Ledyard, Waterford, and St. Bernard High Schools. His wife, Karen, stopped counting victories at 1,000, as they became too numerous to track.

He served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America prior to becoming President in 1972. He was the youngest president to ever serve, and the only junior college coach. During his tenure as an officer, he spearheaded several initiatives and he helped form the Junior College Coaches Association.

He's been inducted into five Halls of Fame: Mitchell College, Junior College, CJSA, SECJSA, and Waterford. Additionally, he earned the 2018 National Honor Award from the United Soccer Coaches Association of America. The Honor Award is the association's highest honor, recognizing the career of a coach whose work within the association has enhanced the soccer coaching profession and contributed to the game as a whole.

From 1976-2000, Warren was the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Standards at the Naval Submarine School in Groton. He directed the development of hundreds of submarine training courses that dramatically reduced academic attrition. He was federal employee of the year in 1993. He was also awarded the Master Training Specialist medallion, a Meritorious Unit Citation, and a Meritorious Civilian Medal. He was involved in pentagon briefings and was sent to Peru to help develop training for the Peruvian Navy. After the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster, there was a nationwide search to find individuals to consult with NASA for astronaut training. He was one of three people selected to work on this project. He also received letters of commendation from President Clinton and Senators Dodd and Lieberman. After retirement from the Sub Base, he joined General Dynamics where he served for 10 years as Director of Curriculum Development for the Carter class of submarines.

In addition to his careers and coaching, he served as Director of non-credit courses for Mohegan Community College, (Three Rivers Community College), as the Commissioner of Parks and Recreations for the town of Waterford, and as the treasurer of the Eastern CT Conservation District.

Warren loved nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed cutting and splitting wood to fuel the energy efficient home he built with the wood from his land. He was an avid fan of the English Premier League and his beloved team, Liverpool. He loved and attended hundreds of Broadway plays. He was very proud of his Swedish heritage and took great pleasure in giving Swedish gifts to family. Warren loved to collect antiques, especially George Washington items, ink bottles, and coins. He was a benevolent man and donated to multiple charities annually.

Warren and Karen were welcoming to all and loved hosting gatherings of family and friends at their home. The family enjoyed many vacations to Disney World and the Outer Banks.

The family would like to thank the staff at Crescent Point for the loving care they provided to Warren.

In the early 1970s, Warren founded the New London Soccer Club. In lieu of flowers, his family encourages donations in his memory be sent to: New London Soccer Club, P.O. Box 413, New London, CT 06320. Warren believed all kids should have the opportunity to play and these donations will help continue his legacy.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at Langley's, Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford.

Mr. Swanson's family invites you to offer condolences, share memories and view Warren's online video tribute at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.