SHREWSBURY

In the early hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025, Edward B. Swanson peacefully closed his eyes to this world. He was 84 years old. Ed was born in Milford and raised in Mendon, youngest of three children to first generation Swedish immigrants Alvar and Linnea (Anderson) Swanson. Ed was a 1958 graduate of Mendon High School. He then enrolled at Wentworth Technical College where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Edward would remain employed as a mechanical design engineer throughout his career, first at Heald Machine, Co. and later Dynamac before finishing his career at Gillette, Co. He was instrumental in the design of the high-speed production machinery which produces the Mach III razor, of which he was most proud.

After high school, Ed met his future wife, Elsie J. "Joy" (née Warren). On September 15, 1962, the couple were wed in Mendon and together, Ed and Joy began their 62-year journey as husband and wife. The young couple first resided in Worcester for a short period, then relocated to Westborough for 20 years before making their final home in Shrewsbury in 1985. Ed maintained his home and yard with pride; he was quite the handyman, beekeeper and had a wonderful vegetable garden. Ed was always working on some type of home project, there wasn't much he couldn't accomplish. He owned and drove several classic muscle cars which he enjoyed working on with his son, who was also mechanical and showed similar interests. For over 20 years, Ed and Joy made memories as they ventured backroads and highways in their motorhome. They looked forward to visiting national parks and making numerous trips to the Bourne Scenic Park on Cape Cod Canal and to Myrtle Beach. Ed and Joy were longtime active members of Rice Baptist Church where Ed faithfully served as a trustee.

In addition to his devoted wife Joy, Ed is survived by three children, Lori B. Paulhus and her husband Donald Paulhus of Port Charlotte, Florida; Sandra J. Swanson and her companion Peter Norquoy of Cozumel, Mexico and Michael W. Swanson and his wife Letitia of Millbury; five grandchildren, Stephanie Pajka, Lisa Fellowes, Nicole Salgado de Gallardo, Naomi Swanson, Nicholas Swanson and four great-grandchildren, Tehya, Estelle, Camille and Milana. Ed was preceded in death by his two siblings , Lois Swanson and Tommy Swanson.

Calling hours will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday May 1, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. Ed's funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln Street, Northborough. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

The Swanson family respectfully request memorial contributions be directed to Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 85 Lincoln St, Northborough, MA 01532 or to Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28807-3000. To leave a condolence for his family, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.