Ronald Christian Swanson, 73, beloved husband of Astrid Hansen Swanson of Branford, died in New Haven on April 3.  Mr. Swanson was born in New Haven on May 19, 1938, son of the late S. Frederick and Elma Jorgensen Swanson. He had worked for Southern New England Telephone for 37 years as an installer and instructor.  He was also a communicant of Christ & Epiphany Church in East Haven, a Mason with Widows Sons Lodge in Branford, and a driver for Interfaith Ministries. In addition, he was a member of the Branford Land Trust and Shoreline Greenway Trails.  Mr. Swanson loved the water, all sports, and enjoyed his family and friends. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Kurt Swanson and his wife Janet of Branford and Karl Swanson of Branford, Kraig Swanson of Bridgeport, and Keith Swanson and his wife Bronwyn of Milford. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Julie, Jeffrey, Jake, Marisa, Tanner, and Colin Swanson; his brother, Russell Swanson of Branford; and his sister, Lois Lehr and her husband Blake of Branford.

Friends may call on Monday, April 9, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, and are invited to a funeral service on Tuesday, April 10, at 11 a.m., at Christ & Epiphany Church, 39 Park Place, East Haven.  Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Christ & Epiphany Church, 39 Park Place, East Haven, CT 06512.  For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.