Russell Swenson

Russell F. Swenson, 79, died on May 7, 2017 in Manahawkin, NJ, where he was a resident. He was the loving and devoted husband of Jeanne P. Swenson.

Russ proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA. He was an Eagle Scout and a 66 year veteran with the Boy Scouts of America. He began his career as a District Scout Executive with the Mohegan Council in Worcester, MA in 1967. He then worked as Director of Support Services for the Philadelphia Council in Philadelphia, PA from 1973-1980. He became Scout Executive for the Hudson Valley Council in Middletown, NY and worked there from 1980-1982. He then worked as Director of Support Services for the Westchester-Putnam Council in White Plains, NY from 1983-1992. He retired as an Associate Regional Director for the Northeast Region of the Boy Scouts of America, where he worked in New Jersey from 1992-2003. Russ received numerous awards and recognition by the Boy Scouts of America, including the Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Award, the Silver Beaver Award, James E. West Fellow, International Scouter's Award, Wood Badge, and Vigil Member of the Order of the Arrow.

Russ was a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) since 1992. He was past President of the New Jersey chapter and earned certification as a Certified Meeting Professional by the Convention Industry Council in 1998. He was also a Master Mason and member of the Olive Branch Lodge in Milbury, MA and Mariner's Lodge in Barnegat, NJ.

After retiring, Russ continued to be involved with Scouting and volunteered his services to the Northeast Region, the Central Jersey Council, the Jersey Shore Council and acted as the Meetings Manager for the Northeast Region Boy Scouts of America Retirees' Reunions.

Russ was a lifelong member of Methodist churches, mostly recently with the Manahawkin United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter, Karin Stroud, wife of Ray Stroud, and his son, David Swenson, husband of Jennifer Swenson, 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and his sister, Carol O'Connor, wife of Robert O'Connor.

Visiting hours for Russ will be held at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Rd, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, on Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 2pm to 5pm with a service beginning at 4:30pm which will include military honors.

In lieu of flowers; contributions in Russ Swenson's memory may be sent to Boy Scouts of America, 1325 Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75015 or at www.scouting.org.