Obituary of Roy M. Swazey

Roy M. Swazey, 91 years of age of Wilson NY, husband of Clara (Coffin) Swazey, passed away on Monday, May 4th 2020 at Lockport Rehab and Heath Care Center. Roy was born May 25th, 1928 In Tilley, New Brunswick Canada to Herbert Reuben and Nellie (Cochrane) Swazey. Roy married Clara (Coffin) Swazey on May 22,1954 in Niagara Falls NY. Roy and Clara shared 66 Years of marriage and partnership, enjoying and maintaining their beloved three-acre homestead in Wilson since 1971. Roy immigrated to the United States in his teenage years to work with his uncle Roy on a farm and logging operation in the Catskill Mountains of New York State. He later joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict era, serving from 1948 to 1952 at Ft. Ord California, Ft. Bliss Texas and Lakenheath AFB, United Kingdom. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Roy was always proud of becoming a “Naturalized US Citizen” and of his service to his country. Roy relocated to Niagara Falls NY to work on the Niagara Power Project, and became a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 463, and looked forward to operating different types of equipment each and every work day. Roy continued to work through the union even after his retirement, and finished his last seven weeks of work operating a large track backhoe at the young age of 86 years. Roy was known for his great sense of humor, his love of hard work, and his love of family and friends and a good card game. Roy was a Mason, a husband, a father, and looked forward in his later years to his semiannual trips to New Brunswick Canada to fish, and spend time with his brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. Roy is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years Clara, his son Glen (Beverly) Swazey of Hampton NH, daughter Patricia (Ron) Swazey of Shandaken NY, Sister Donna (Rufus) Pelkey of Aroostook New Brunswick, Grandchildren Kelli, Jessica, Ryan, Nigel and Sarah, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in the US and Canada. Due to current circumstances there will be no services. Burial will be held in New Brunswick, Canada. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Arrangements entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. Ransomville, NY. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online condolences.