Roger M Swem

Rotterdam - Roger M. Swem went to his forever home to be with the angels in heaven on March 11, 2021. Roger was born in Gouverneur, NY to the late Grace and Mason Swem on March 30, 1938. He spent his formative years growing up in Antwerp, NY. Roger served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960 and spent two years in Japan. Upon returning to the States, he moved to Schenectady and worked for General Electric in Schenectady as an Electronic Technician then at the General Electric Research & Development Center in Niskayuna before retiring inNovember of 1997 after 37.5 years of dedicated service. In 1980, Roger married his partner and soulmate, Arlene Hillman Podbielski. After Roger's retirement from General Electric, he worked for Living Resources in Schenectady for two years along with the Albany International Airport as a Pre-Board Screener for two years. He also was employed with Target as a Security Guard before enjoying his days tinkering at home and helping others with projects. Roger was a kind, gentle, and brilliantman. Roger volunteered for several meaningful organizations; he was a Scout-Master for Boyscout Troop 47, he served as Fire Police for the Stanford Heights Fire Department for 13 years, volunteered several years for the Scottish Games at the Altamont Fairgrounds, was a life-long member of the Rotterdam Elks Lodge 2157, served as Usher and Refreshment Host for St. Madeleine Sophie Church for many years at the 7 pm mass, and volunteered in the gift shop at Proctor's Theatre. In 2005, Roger volunteered with his grandson Josh, to the Schenectady Composit Squadron, The Mighty 73rd Civil Air Patrol Cadets (CAP). He retired from CAP in 2009 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He truly enjoyed mentoring and working with the cadets. Roger is survived by his wife and love of his life Arlene Swem of Rotterdam; his brother C. Ray Swem of Syracuse; his son James Swem of Syracuse; his daughter Peggy Hayward of Saratoga Springs; and a step-son from his first marriage to the late Twila Swem, Steven Walker Swem (Deja) of Washington State. He is also survived by his step-daughter's Patty Normington (Rick) of Arizona; Robin Matarazzo (Joe) of Delanson; and Debbie Chandler of Schenectady; his grandchildren Coburn and Kyle Swem, Ben and Daja Swem, Brandon and Shania Hayward, Mariah Matarazzo, and Joshua and Amber Chandler. Roger's family would like to thank the gentle and compassionate care he received from Home Instead Case Manager Brianna and his warmhearted caregiversMelissa, Anita, Carmen, Maria, and Patty. Also thankyou to all of the staff from the Capstone Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Amsterdam who so graciously and lovingly cared for him until his last day. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on May 7, 2021 at 11:00 am at St.MadeleineSophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Guilderland, NY. Interment with Military Honors to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery & Memorial Park, 983 Watervliet Shaker Road, Albany, NY; all are invited. Face masks and social distancing will be required. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4 Pine West Plaza, #405, Albany, NY 12205, in Roger's name.