Aubrey "Gene" E. Swanson, Sr., NFPD Ret.

Aubrey E. “Gene” Swanson, Sr., NFPD Ret., 85, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on January 6, 2026.  Born on February 2, 1940 in Chickamauga, GA, he was the son of the late Hubert Swanson and the late Iva (nee Taylor) (late James) Long and the husband of the late JoAnn (Boyd) Swanson, who passed away on September 21, 2024.  

Gene was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY.  He proudly served in the United States Navy, from February 7, 1957, until his honorable discharge on January 31, 1961.  Gene retired as a Police Officer, working for the Niagara Falls Police Department and later served on their Honor Guard team.  In 1998, he became one of the founding owners of J.R. Swanson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, along with his son Jim.  Gene was a member of Sandy Beach Yacht Club in Grand Island, NY and the American Legion LaSalle Post #1142.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Gene is survived by sons, Aubrey E. “Gene” (Ericca) Swanson, Jr. and James R. (Joy) Swanson; grandchildren, Julia (Luc) Fadness, Rachel (Frankie) Avantino, Jimmy Swanson and Noah Evert; great-grandchildren, Sophia Avantino, Mia Fadness and Olivia Fadness and several brothers and sisters and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by siblings.

All are welcome to gather for visitation on Tuesday, from 4-7 p.m., at the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007), where Gene’s funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 14th. At 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Laura Norris-Buisch officiating.  The Christian Rite of Committal and interment, concluding with Military Honors, will follow in Niagara Falls Memorial Park Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Gene’s family has entrusted his care to the Goodlander family.  Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com 

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