Ernest Swanberg
Ernest Eliot Swanberg Jr.
Ernest (Ernie) Swanberg passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, surrounded by the love of his life, Germaine, after 67 wonderful years together, and his devoted children Ned and Karen. His kind spirit touched the lives of family and friends near and far.
Ernie's final days were filled with comfort and care provided by the compassionate staff of Legacy Hospice, Virginia at Home, and Linden House in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Ernie is survived by his beloved wife Germaine Swanberg of Charlottesville; his daughter Karen Davis of Charlottesville; his son Ned Swanberg and daughter-in-law Tory Rhodin of Montpelier, Vermont; and his sister Ann McDougle of Paxton, Massachusetts, along with her sons Jack, Andy, and Brad McDougle. Although his son Neil Swanberg of Bethel, Connecticut, passed in 2018, Ernie's love for him endured. His grandchildren Jonathan Davis of Havertown, Pennsylvania, Jessica Davis of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Corazon Swanberg of Hartford, Vermont, were his pride and joy, as was his cherished great-grandson Ruben Swanberg-Morales of Hartford, Vermont.
Born on December 4, 1934, to Frances and Ernest Eliot Swanberg Sr., Ernie grew up in East Brookfield, Massachusetts, alongside his sister Ann McDougle. His lifelong love story with Germaine began during high school and at Trahan’s soda shop, leading to their marriage on June 16, 1956.
Following his service in the US Air Force in Morocco, Ernie pursued engineering studies at the University of Florida. He later became a registered architect in Connecticut and New York, contributing his talent to firms such as Lyons, Mather, and Lechner, as well as the Design Collaborative. Notably, Ernie served as the Construction Architect for the renovation of the Yale Children’s Hospital.
Beyond his professional life, Ernie cultivated enduring friendships in Stratford, Connecticut, and later in Southbury, where he and Geri settled, built their home, and eventually retired to Heritage Village.
Ernie’s passions included plants, woodworking, especially his intricately carved ducks, shorebirds, and songbirds. He sailed a small wooden Swedish fishing boat in Lordship, CT, he also had a soft spot for cats and was known for his delectable apple pies and Swedish pancakes.
In retirement, Ernie dedicated his time to volunteering at Safe Haven Thrift Shop and the local library in Southbury, Connecticut. He found joy in the Heritage Village writers’ group, the community garden, and woodworking shop.
In Charlottesville, Ernie cherished the friendships forged around the pool table at Sargent House, that he helped to secure after the end the Covid-19 pandemic. His friends BJ Megargel and Sylvie Moore provided unwavering love and support throughout Ernie’s final years, creating cherished memories filled with warmth, good food, and camaraderie.
A strong advocate and loving father to his son Neil, Ernie boldly led the family off on travel and camping adventures, enjoying pickled herring and all things Swedish along the way. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched, nurturing them with his love and care.
A private service will be held at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Spencer, MA, this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernie’s memory to Special Olympics are welcomed and appreciated.
