Hubert Lyle Swanson, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his beloved wife, Kathleen, and his loving family. He passed at Benchmark Senior Living in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Lyle was born on July 20, 1942, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the youngest child of the late Hubert Lyle Swanson and Alice Swanson (née Davis). He grew up in Taunton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Taunton High School in 1960.

In his senior year, his yearbook caption described him as congenial and reserved, dependable, tall, and serious. He had a passion for camping and tinkering with automobiles, hobbies that reflected his curiosity and love for hands-on problem-solving. Lyle also enjoyed playing football and baseball. As the youngest of three, his doting older sisters adored him, affectionately creating the nickname "Buster," which stayed with him throughout his life.

After graduating high school in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon returning from his four-year enlistment, he met and married his first wife, Brenda Cathcart, in July 1965, and they had two beloved daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer.

Following his active-duty commitment, Lyle joined the Air National Guard, where he served for more than 20 years. He also attended engineering school in Rhode Island and later worked for the CIA in Virginia. After his tenure with the CIA, Lyle joined Raytheon in North Dighton, Massachusetts, where he spent many dedicated years. Under the GI Bill, he graduated from Northeastern University, which propelled him into a multi-faceted career focused on Department of Defense (DoD) operations. His expertise led him to Boston's Defense Contracting Administration Services (DCAS) as a Quality Inspector, and in 1987, he transitioned to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA, where he played a key role in enhancing Quality Assurance policies for high-tech military manufacturing efforts.

After his Air Force retirement, Lyle enjoyed several roles, including school bus driver, snowplow driver for the NH Highway Department of Public Works, and transporting vehicles for Toyota of Nashua. He also volunteered in Merrimack's Community Crimeline program, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and community.

Lyle married his beloved wife, Kathleen Swanson, in November 1985, and they moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire, sharing 40 loving years together. They embodied two swans, utterly devoted to each other, and mated for life. Whether spending time at home with friends, walking around the neighborhood, or traveling along the New England coast and the mountains of New Hampshire, they created a beautiful life together.

Lyle loved the great outdoors and was an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast, owning several motorcycles over the years. He and Kathleen shared many wonderful road trips through the White Mountains, Vermont, New York, and Rhode Island. His passion for aviation was just as strong—he loved attending and working at local air shows. One of his most memorable experiences was celebrating his 60th birthday with a flight in an antique biplane over Martha's Vineyard, an adventure that truly reflected his love for the skies.

Lyle had the most striking blue eyes—the color of the sky—where he is now soaring high, free and at peace. His warmth, humor, and kindness touched everyone who knew him. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to love him. May the winds carry him gently, the sun shine warmly upon his face, and the heavens welcome him with open arms. May he forever soar in the bluebird skies, watching over those he loved. Rest in peace, Lyle, knowing your legacy of love and kindness lives on in all who were blessed to know you.

Lyle is survived by his adoring wife of 40 years, Kathleen Swanson of Merrimack, New Hampshire; his loving daughters, Kimberly Ann Carroll and her husband Sean of North Attleboro, MA, and Jennifer Albertine Schlageter of Lakeville, MA. He was a cherished grandfather to Erika and Emme Schlageter and Katharine and Clare Carroll. He is remembered fondly as "Uncle Buster" to many of his nieces and nephews.

Lyle was predeceased by his two loving sisters, Albertine Laurel Dwyer (née Swanson) of North Dighton, MA, and Lyla A. Vernazza (née Swanson) of Middlesex, VT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealz.org) in Lyle's name.