Obituary for Jeffrey F. Swanson
Jeffrey F. Swanson, 55, of Tolland, Connecticut passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 20, 2021. He was born to Donald and Barbara (Conway) Swanson on January 4, 1966. Jeff grew up in Cromwell sledding through the backyards on Parkview Road and playing in the cul-de-sac with neighborhood friends. He attended Xavier High School, where he was a proud member of the basketball and golf teams. After four years of shenanigans and a few hours of studying, he graduated and headed off to turn his passion for golf into his career.
Jeff began working at Edgewood Country Club in his hometown. He followed his mentor, Richard Crowe, to Rockledge Golf Course in West Hartford, where he earned his PGA certification and formed many lifelong friendships. He spent several winters working at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Jeff found his home at Cedar Knob Golf Course in Somers, working as the Head Golf Professional there for 25 years. At “The Knob,” he taught golfers of all ages the fundamentals of the game. He was deeply committed to the CKGC men’s and women’s leagues, bringing professionalism and enthusiasm to all of their events. Most importantly, he fostered an environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, felt comfortable and excited to play. Jeff was a gifted teacher and mentor to countless aspiring golfers. His awards hang proudly on his office walls, and his legacy will live on through the junior golfers he inspired at “Cedar Knob’s Golf for Kids,” the summer camp he established.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoyed watching his favorite Boston sports teams and singing along loudly to Bruce Springsteen and the Dropkick Murphy’s. Jeff valued the time that he spent in Quechee, VT on the ski hill and the golf course, where he made a point to show everyone his name on the 2019 Men’s Invitational plaque.
Above all, Jeff cherished his family. They could always count on him to answer their phone calls, even when there was a line of customers waiting in the pro shop. He would tell them “I am busy, but never too busy for you.” Alongside his wife of 25 years, Ann (O’Driscoll) Swanson, he raised their beloved daughters, Sarah and Megan. Other than “his girls,” Jeff is survived by his father Donald Swanson Sr., brother Donald Swanson Jr., and sister Kristine Mantel. He was admired by his many nieces and nephews, who will miss his jokes and stories at family gatherings. “Swany” also leaves behind an abundance of “buddies” whom he loved like family. He has joined his mother, Barbara, in eternal life. Though our loss here on earth is tremendous, we know that heaven’s gain is greater.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Matthew's Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT by invitation only. Though we regret that we are unable to invite everyone that Jeff loved, you are welcome to join the Mass virtually through the following link: blessedsacramentct.org/funeral. The burial will be held in Vermont privately and at the convenience of the family.
The family invites you to send your memories and pictures to: celebrateswany@gmail.com. We look forward to celebrating Jeff’s life and helping him “go out in style” with you all at a party when it is warm and safe to do so.
Jeff was especially grateful for the opportunity his daughters had to attend Suffield Academy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Suffield Academy in his name. All donations will be directed by the family to award students deserving of that same experience.
Checks can be mailed to:
Suffield Academy Development Office
185 N Main St
Suffield, CT 06078
Online donation may be made to:
www.suffieldacademy.org/donate
Jeff began working at Edgewood Country Club in his hometown. He followed his mentor, Richard Crowe, to Rockledge Golf Course in West Hartford, where he earned his PGA certification and formed many lifelong friendships. He spent several winters working at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Jeff found his home at Cedar Knob Golf Course in Somers, working as the Head Golf Professional there for 25 years. At “The Knob,” he taught golfers of all ages the fundamentals of the game. He was deeply committed to the CKGC men’s and women’s leagues, bringing professionalism and enthusiasm to all of their events. Most importantly, he fostered an environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, felt comfortable and excited to play. Jeff was a gifted teacher and mentor to countless aspiring golfers. His awards hang proudly on his office walls, and his legacy will live on through the junior golfers he inspired at “Cedar Knob’s Golf for Kids,” the summer camp he established.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoyed watching his favorite Boston sports teams and singing along loudly to Bruce Springsteen and the Dropkick Murphy’s. Jeff valued the time that he spent in Quechee, VT on the ski hill and the golf course, where he made a point to show everyone his name on the 2019 Men’s Invitational plaque.
Above all, Jeff cherished his family. They could always count on him to answer their phone calls, even when there was a line of customers waiting in the pro shop. He would tell them “I am busy, but never too busy for you.” Alongside his wife of 25 years, Ann (O’Driscoll) Swanson, he raised their beloved daughters, Sarah and Megan. Other than “his girls,” Jeff is survived by his father Donald Swanson Sr., brother Donald Swanson Jr., and sister Kristine Mantel. He was admired by his many nieces and nephews, who will miss his jokes and stories at family gatherings. “Swany” also leaves behind an abundance of “buddies” whom he loved like family. He has joined his mother, Barbara, in eternal life. Though our loss here on earth is tremendous, we know that heaven’s gain is greater.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Matthew's Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT by invitation only. Though we regret that we are unable to invite everyone that Jeff loved, you are welcome to join the Mass virtually through the following link: blessedsacramentct.org/funeral. The burial will be held in Vermont privately and at the convenience of the family.
The family invites you to send your memories and pictures to: celebrateswany@gmail.com. We look forward to celebrating Jeff’s life and helping him “go out in style” with you all at a party when it is warm and safe to do so.
Jeff was especially grateful for the opportunity his daughters had to attend Suffield Academy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Suffield Academy in his name. All donations will be directed by the family to award students deserving of that same experience.
Checks can be mailed to:
Suffield Academy Development Office
185 N Main St
Suffield, CT 06078
Online donation may be made to:
www.suffieldacademy.org/donate