Joel L Swanson

Joel Swanson, 81, of Manlius, NY passed away on May 6th, 2023. Joel was born on February 13th, 1942, in Jamestown, NY.

He received his associate degree in engineering services from SUNY Alfred in 1962, his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University in 1964, and his Master of Engineering in water resources from Cornell University in 1970. He worked at Stearns and Wheler (later GHD) in Cazenovia, NY for over 40 years. He became a partner in 1979., and chairman of the board in 2001.
Throughout his career, Joel was dedicated to wastewater treatment. He had a great combination of engineering expertise, problem solving, and people skills, which he used to help many communities upgrade their wastewater treatment systems.

Joel was a conservationist, and outside of work he loved spending time in nature participating in many hobbies including hunting, birdwatching, boating, camping, and biking. He hiked several of the Adirondack high peaks. He was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing with friends and family, including multiple “once in a lifetime” Canadian fishing trips.

Joel was a loving husband, and is survived by his wife of 32 years, Susan Swanson. A devoted father, he is survived by his six children, Brian Swanson, Doug Swanson, Kristy (Adam) Swanson, Erik Swanson, Zack (Jen) Swanson, and Abby Swanson, his daughter-in-law Wendi, nieces, and nephews, as well as six grandchildren, Evan, Emma, Kyle, Izzy, Grayson, and Alex.  Joel is survived by his sisters Judy Murray and Sally Swanson. He is predeceased by his brother David Blodine and his niece Robin Brown as well as his mother Charlotte Carlson and father Elliott Swanson.

Joel was a kind soul and a true gentleman. He is forever in our hearts and will be missed.

There will be a celebration of life on May 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.arborday.org to plant a tree for Joel or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology www.birds.cornell.edu/home/give.

James A. Menter Funeral Home has care of arrangements,