Robert Swanson, 63

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Robert Steven Swanson, 63, of Grant City, an indefatigable volunteer who coached teams, led a Boy Scout troop and worked in a church soup kitchen, died Sunday at home of coronary complications.

Born in Brooklyn, he moved to South Beach in 1972 and to Grant City in 1988.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1971, and spent several years in the U.S. Naval Reserves.

While working at AT&T in Manhattan as a communications technician, he earned an associate’s degree from the College of Staten Island. He retired in 2001 after 30 years.

Mr. Swanson was a longtime member and past secretary/treasurer of the Communication Workers of America, Local 1150. He was a past president of the local’s Retirees Council and founder of the Federation of AT&T Retired Technicians.

He belonged to Christ Episcopal Church, New Brighton.

His wife of nearly 40 years, the former Geraldine Redden, recalled, “He was proud that he was able to send his children to college and that instead of investing in the stock market, he was investing in his children.”

In addition to his wife, Geraldine, surviving are his son, Robert Sean; two daughters, Kristen and Tara Swanson; a brother, Peter, and one granddaughter.

Mr. Swanson coached various YMCA teams — basketball, T-ball and baseball — for years. He was a former Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 45, headquartered at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stapleton. At Trinity, he was also a Saturday volunteer in the parish soup kitchen for 22 years.