Robert A. Swanke

Laconia, NH and formerly Holliston MA-
Robert A. Swanke, 86, of Laconia, NH and formerly of Holliston, MA passed away January 16, 2013 at the Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, NH after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Julia V. (Harris) and Max A. Swanke. He was the husband of 62 years to Agnes M. (Platt) Swanke of Laconia.

A US Navy Veteran of WWII, Robert attended the US Naval Academy and belonged to the US Naval Academy Alumni Association, the US Naval Institute, American Battleship Assoc., USS Wisconsin Assoc., USS Shangri-La Assoc., Association of Aviation Ordnancemen, as well as the Knights of Colombus and American Legion. In 1992, after forty two years in the insurance business, he retired as Regional Vice President from Mutual of America Life Insurance Company.

Besides his wife, he is survived by 2 sons, Robert A. Swanke Jr. of Bellingham, and Brian G. Swanke and his wife Tracey of Rochester, NY; 3 daughters, Mary-Clare Swanke of South Orange, NJ, Virginia E. Blanchard and her husband Scott of Holliston, and Donna M. Ambrose of Manasquan, NJ. He also leaves behind 5 grandchildren, Megan Styffe and her husband Philip of Milford, Jillian Blanchard of Ashland, Mark Ambrose of Minnesota, Meridith Ambrose of Queens, NY, Alexia Swanke of Rochester, NY; and 2 great-grandsons, Robbie and Ryan Styffe of Milford.

There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00a.m. on Monday, January 21, 2013 at St. Mary’s Church of Holliston, Washington St. (Rt.16), with burial following in the parish cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 or
(stjude.org) or Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA 02215 (dana-farber.org)