Robert (Bob) W. Swanson of Lexington, age 94, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 after a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Audrey, in May of 2023. He leaves his son, David R. Swanson and his wife Lee-Ann of Lexington, MA; his daughter, Karen S. Bursaw and her husband Richard of Hamilton, MA; his grandchildren Krista Swanson of Boston, Andrew Swanson and his wife Abigail of Quincy, Matthew Swanson of Lexington, Allan Bursaw and his wife Emily of Quincy and Peter Bursaw of Hamilton.

Bob was raised and educated in Arlington, MA. He was the son of the late Carl O. and Ellen E. (Nickerson) Swanson. He was a class of 1946 graduate of Arlington High school and attended Boston University where he took classes in business before being drafted into the armed service. He served in the Korean War in the early 1950s in the heavy weapons division.

When he returned home, he pursued his interest in gems and received his diploma as a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. He turned his father's watch making business into a successful, full-service retail jewelry store, Swanson Jewelers, in Arlington, MA. He was active in the American Gem Society and earned the titles of Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist Appraiser. He served on numerous educational committees in the AGS and in 1979, was the recipient of the prestigious Robert Shipley award at the Society's annual Conclave in Washington, D.C.

Bob was a dedicated local businessman and served on the board of Bank Five (now Cambridge Savings Bank), as well as being a past President of the Arlington Rotary Club and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He continued to work at Swanson Jewelers, the business he built and loved right up to his death.

He was a committed family man and was involved in helping with Cub Scout and Boy Scout projects. He also took his wife and two children on a number of trips to the mountains of New England for winter ski holidays including Mount Snow, Loon Mountain and Sugarloaf. A high point was their annual July vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH.

Bob's primary outdoor enjoyment was golf which he enjoyed right up until his passing. He was a member at Winchester Country Club where he played countless rounds of golf. While his family preferred to swim and play tennis, he would often meet them poolside for a late afternoon swim. He would occasionally be joined on the course by his son, David, and daughter, Karen, and in later years, his grandson, Andrew.

Bob was also a man of faith and was raised at First Baptist Church of Arlington where he met his wife, Audrey. Later, he became a member of Grace Chapel in Lexington where he served as a greeter and long time usher. When grandchildren arrived, he faithfully supported them on mission trips, praying for them and encouraging them in their own faith. His love of Christ was reflected in his ready smile and kind, patient demeanor.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 22nd from 4pm to 7pm at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington, MA 02421. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 23rd at 10 am, also at the Douglass Funeral Home. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Interment at Westview Cemetery, Lexington, MA.