PEABODY - Mr. Leonard F. Swanson, 89, of Brooksby Village, Peabody, loving husband of Judith Allyn Putnam, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 27, 2020

Born in Boston, he was the son of late Oscar and Loretta Swanson. Leonard was raised and educated in Jamaica Plain and he continued his education attending Northeastern University earning his Bachelor of Arts in Education.

An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a LTJG in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean conflict.

An educator by profession, Leonard taught as a 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Elementary School Teacher. Leonard's calling was in education, as evidenced by his 36 years teaching. He began his career employed with the Wakefield School District and matriculated to the Hamilton-Wenham School District, where he dedicated over 33 years to educating his students until the time of his retirement. During that time he was also the Director of Operation Genesis, a summer educational program for inner city students on the North Shore. He took great pride in providing this experience and opportunity. His imaginative and creative teaching provided many students over the years with a truly rich experience.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Leonard was a true family man and pursued many interests over his lifetime. Leonard was a very active member of the N.S.U.U. Church in Danvers, and held many leadership roles over a 44 year tenure. His passion for connecting with others brought many experiences to him; he was an active member of the North Shore Chapter of Friendship Force that facilitated exchange trips to many countries around the world. He was a Fulbright Exchange Teacher in England for one year, a high point in his life including many trips on the English canals. He took great pleasure in traveling with his children and grandchildren near and far. These experiences brought him and his extended family great joy. He also loved walking outdoors and was a devoted dog lover.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife, Judith Putnam of Peabody, his three daughters, Amy Swanson Salmon of Paris, France, Emily Foley and her husband, Ron of Derry, New Hampshire, Mary Beth Osborne and husband, Mark of Gloucester, his sons, Leonard Swanson Jr., of Gloucester, Andrew Swanson and his wife, Marie of Manchester, New Hampshire, Eric Swanson and his wife, Tracee Kneeland of Boxford, Judy's children Deborah Waybright and her husband, Eric of Georgetown and Mark Rand and his wife, Patricia of Houston, TX, sister in law, Polly Southwick of Peabody, and his 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and several cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Leonard's Memorial Service which will be held at the North Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 323 Locust St., Danvers, MA on Friday, April 15th at 5 P.M..  Face Coverings, Vaccinations and Reservations for in person attendance are required. Guests attending the service must register with the church by calling 978-774-7582 or by emailing nsuu@verizon.net. In person attendance is limited. You may also attend the service remotely ( Livestream ) by visiting www.nsuu.org. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Leonard's name to The Roger Trask Day Health Program, 75R Central St., Peabody, MA 01960 or Care Dimension, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com