Royal Lee Swanberg Jr.

Royal Lee Swanberg Jr., 77, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA entered into rest on September 29, 2015 at home. Lee was born on July 18, 1938 to Royal Lee Sr. and Evelyn Swanberg in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest of three boys. Lee grew up in Arizona with his younger brothers Curtis and Maurie Swanberg. He was part of the first graduating class from Brophy College Preparatory, a Catholic, Jesuit School for Young Men in Phoenix, Arizona in 1956. He continued on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University, and later a Master’s Degree. After moving to California, Lee worked as a teacher and coach in the Pomona Unified School District for over 30 years. He retired in 2003 at the age of 65, however continued immediately substitute teaching because he loved being in the classroom with students. Lee was a great advocate for education and worked tirelessly, often having overcrowded classrooms because he never could turn away a student that needed him. Lee also cherished spending time in the great outdoors. He was an avid hiker, birder, and even served as the president of the National Audubon Society for one year. He could be found on weekends counting bald eagles in Big Bear, looking for Big Horn Sheep in Mt. Baldy, or hiking any of the local mountains. He was an active member of the Sierra Club. Those who were blessed to know Lee know that he was a kind-hearted, fun-loving, active and humorous man that found lessons in everyday life to continue to teach his kids and grandkids far after his retirement from the classroom. If he wasn’t outdoors hiking, Grandpa Lee was attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, shows, and never missed the chance to watch them in all of their activities. Above all, Lee was a devoted husband and brother. He is survived by his wife Nina and together they have 7 children, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Curtis Swanberg of Arizona. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter & St. Paul Catholic Church 9135 Banyan Street in Alta Loma, CA on October 6, 2015 at 10am. Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park Mausoleum, Ontario, CA. Services entrusted to Draper Mortuary 811 Mountain Avenue, Ontario, CA.