Chester F. Swanson, 74, of Asheboro, North Carolina formerly of Niles, Ohio died Wednesday July 18, 2012 at The Duke Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina.

He was born October 23, 1937 in Rome, Ohio the son of Irvin and Paula Castle Swanson.

He was a 1955 graduate of Howland High School, employed for 35 years at WCI Steel retiring in 2000, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Parish in Niles, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Asheboro, North Carolina, and The Ben Lin Club.

Chester enjoyed woodcrafting, reading, and was a United States Army Veteran.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Carol Burrell Swanson whom he married April 11, 1959, a son Curtis Swanson and his wife Beth of Federal Way, Washington; three daughters, Cheryl Dennis and her husband James of Columbus, Ohio; Christine Ellwood and her husband Robert of Asheboro, North Carolina; and Caryn Caratelli and her husband Brian of Raleigh, North Carolina; a brother Erron Swanson of Seattle, Washington; three sisters, Esther Silvas of Niles, Ohio; Karen Copenhaver of Hubbard, Ohio; and Paula Smith and her husband Bill of Warren, Ohio; five grandchildren, Jason and Emily Dennis and Brennan, Nolan, and Aleena Ellwood.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Elmer Swanson, and two sisters Shirley Emery and Leila Felicetty.

Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 5PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 4:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00AM Monday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Niles with Reverend John-Michael Lavelle, D. Min, Pastor officiating, preceded by a 9:30AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

There will be a gathering/cook out held after the funeral at the residence of Pat and Becky Ellwood at 1620 Shannon Road in Girard, Ohio. Any food donations may be delivered to this address.

There will also be a memorial service at 6:00PM August 8th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Asheboro, North Carolina.

Material Contributions can be made to The American Heart Association 840 Southwestern Run, Youngstown, Ohio 44514.

Family and friends can view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send e-mail condolences to www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.