Gregory M. "Swannee" Swan
October 9, 1952 - March 3, 2026
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Gregory M. "Swannee" Swan Obituary
Gregory M. Swan, affectionately known to many as "Swannee," passed away on March 3, 2026. A resident of Morristown, New Jersey, he was 73 years old. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on October 9, 1952, to Thomas Swan and Joan McGarry, he lived a life defined by dedication to public service, a deep love for his family, and a generous spirit that touched everyone he met. Gregory grew up in Little Falls and cherished his childhood summers spent with his grandparents, Matt and Mary Bower, on Lake Hopatcong. These summers fostered a lifelong love for the water, leading him to serve as the Head Lifeguard at Hopatcong State Park for many seasons. He attended DePaul Catholic High School, graduating with the Class of 1970. He continued his education at Montclair State College where he earned a degree in English in 1974. Professionally, Gregory dedicated himself to a long and successful career with Morris County Human Services. Colleagues knew him as a well-respected and fair manager who led with integrity. He eventually retired in 2011, concluding his tenure as a Data Processing Coordinator. He was known for his reliability and was always the first to lend a hand. Whether the task involved painting, cleaning, or helping to build a new house, friends and family knew they could count on him. His commitment to his loved ones was unwavering. He never missed a family gathering and made it a priority to attend every baptism, communion, school play, graduation, and wedding. Consequently, his smiling face can be found in every family photo from every occasion. At home, Gregory possessed a remarkable green thumb and was a wonderful cook. He took great delight in planning and executing the perfect gathering, ensuring everyone felt welcome and well-fed. He also shared a passion for exploration with his beloved partner, the late Barry Zabusky. Together, they traveled to interesting locales around the world, and Gregory always returned with unusual gifts and stories to share. A man of Christian faith, Gregory lived his values through his kindness and generosity. He was a regular supporter of the Tunnel to Towers charity. Gregory was predeceased by his father, Thomas Swan; his brother, Thomas Swan; his sister, Veronica Swan; and his partner, Barry Zabusky. He is survived by his mother, Joan (nee Bower) McGarry; his sisters, Joan Kelley of Sebastian, Florida, and Kathleen Miller and her husband Glen of Bloomfield; and his brother, Matthew Swan and his wife Linda of North Carolina. He leaves behind his aunts, Charlotte Anderson and Anna May Wall. He also leaves behind his dear cousins and many nieces and nephews. His kind and generous nature will be missed by so many, none more than Peggy and Steve, Adam and Kristin, Tony and Jess, and his dearest loves: Leo, Teddy, Anthony, Abigail, Lily, and Alexander John Wolcott. We will love and miss him always. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, located at 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Wednesday, March 11, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with a funeral service at 10;00 AM. Burial will follow immediately at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa.
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Gregory M. Swan, affectionately known to many as "Swannee," passed away on March 3, 2026. A resident of Morristown, New Jersey, he was 73 years old. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on October 9, 1952, to Thomas Swan and Joan McGarry, he lived a life defined by dedication to public service, a deep love for his family, and a generous spirit t