THOMASTON — Roy J. Swanson, 81, died unexpectedly on March 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family, at Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast.

Born in St. George on Feb. 7, 1935, he was the son of Carl and Elizabeth “Betsy” McGuffee Swanson. Growing up on Clark Island, Roy attended St. George High School and graduated in 1953.

Following high school Roy enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he was stationed in Portland from 1957 to 1961. He married Marianne Pellicani and together they raised two children.

Following his marriage to Marianne, Roy married Anita Kalloch. The pair have been married for over 43 years.

Roy spent his entire working career in the production and purchasing departments for the Algin Corporation, which became Marine Colloids and later with FMC, as it is known today.

Always active, Roy enjoyed traveling and camping in the summer. A lifetime member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks, he traveled extensively for that organization, and served as exalted ruler in 1982 and district deputy from 1989 to 1990. He was a member of the Orient Lodge of Masons #15 in Thomaston from 1965 to present, as well as a member of the Shrine Club.

When not busy with civic organizations and volunteering, Roy enjoyed watching a good game of football on television. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Ernest “Sonny” Swanson; Roy is survived by his wife, Anita Swanson of Thomaston; his daughter, Lois Anderson and her partner, Larry Jensen, of Warren; his son, Michael Swanson and his wife, Deb, of Coon Rapids, Minn.; his former wife and mother of his children, Marianne Pellicani of Warren; his step-son, Robert Anderson of Thorndale, Pa.; his sisters, Shirley Talbot and her husband, Ted, of Rockland, and Hilda Cushman of Clark Island; a granddaughter, Kate; and two great-grandchildren, Amarianna and Sharif; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside celebration of Roy's life will be announced in June.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Shriners Burn Institute, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.