John R. Swanson

John was born in the Bronx and at age 9 and moved to Syosset in 1954 with his parents Anne and Peter and his only sibling, his brother Bob. John never married but was proudly the uncle of one niece, two nephews, one grand niece and five grand nephews. His fondness and love was also very strong for Peggy, his sister-in-law .

John was a member of the Syosset Fire Department Exempt and Benevolent Association. He had proudly served in the Fire Department fhttps://admin.mem.com/sso/newde/9938244#keepsake/webdisplayor several years including a period as Captain of the Fire Police.

A number of years ago John relocated to Riverhead, Long Island. He established many good friends there. He was known to all those friends as “Big John!”

He was six feet eight and two hundred and sixty pounds. Although he might have seemed intimidating due to his size he was truly a “gentle giant” and considered to be so by all that knew him.

Cats were his passion and he always had a cat, presently he was the owner of two cats. He also devoted many days and hours volunteering at a local animal shelter caring for the cats that were waiting to be adopted.

In addition to keep busy he spent some of his time volunteering as a helper at local private flower nurseries were he had established several close friends. Those friends gave John another goal in his simple life which again was to help others in any way he could.

It’s only now after his passing that it’s become known how popular John was in the Riverhead area and that he was loved by so many along with his family.

John had a very strong request that he had stated many times including in writing. That request was that instead of flowers at his funeral that donations be made to the North Fork Animal League, Southold, N.Y. in his name to help care for his lifelong passion.

May John’s kindness as a loving, caring and simple person linger forever with those his life touched.

Rest In Peace John..your brother forever Bob❤️