Robert Allen Swanson, 72, of Warren, PA, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2013, at home with his family by his side.

Mr. Swanson was born October 9, 1940 in DuBois, PA, the son of the late Albert A. Swanson and Naomi J. Hanner Swanson.  He was a graduate of Warren High School, class of 1958; Slippery Rock State College, 1963, Slippery Rock, PA, obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in teaching; and then obtained his Masters Degree in Science teaching from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio.  He taught a year and a half at Aliquippa High School, Aliquippa, PA, before returning to the Warren area.  Mr. Swanson retired from the Warren County School District after teaching at Eisenhower High School, Beaty Junior High School and Sheffield Junior-Senior High School. He was also a ranger at Chapman State Park for 19 years.

A very accomplished educator, he was instrumental in developing the Ecolab at Eisenhower High School.  In 1973, he received Conservation Educator of the Year award from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation District Directors.  He also developed, and was the first instructor of the Warren County School District Alternative Education program.

He is survived by his wife, Sara E. Walters Swanson, whom he married on June 15, 1963; his son, Steven J. Swanson; his daughter, Carin E. Swanson, both of Warren; two brothers, William Swanson, and wife, Mary Ann, and Gary Swanson, and wife, Joan, all of Butler, PA; 6 grandchildren, Curtis, Nicole, and Tristan Swanson, of Richmond, KY, Zachery Lowery, and wife, Amber, of Union City, Elizabeth Lowery, of Erie, and Benjamin Lowery, of Warren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his infant son, Allen, 1965.

At Robert's request, there will be no visiting hours observed and services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Warren County Humane Society, 212 Elm St., Warren, PA 16365; or Hospice of Warren County, 2 Crescent Park, Warren, PA 16365.