David F. Swenson, 74, died peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, following an extended illness. He was born in Worcester, the only son of the late Milton and Mildred (Flint) Swenson.

David graduated from North High School, Worcester Junior College and then attended the University of Minnesota before returning to Worcester, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Clark University. He then enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. While in Japan, David received his black belt certification in Karate. He later used this talent to teach Karate and defense to people around Worcester. Following his discharge and his return to Worcester, he joined the sales force at Norton Company. He worked in the upstate New York and western Pennsylvania areas for several years before relocating to Worcester and joined the marketing communications department of the company, where he retired from almost 20 years ago. In his retirement, David worked with several advertising companies in the Worcester area.

David had a great love of the outdoors, whether it was maintaining his yard, tending his garden or walking along the Moody Beach and the shores of Maine with his wife, he truly appreciated nature and all it majesty. He possessed a great love of animals and shared his home with several dogs and cats through the years.

In 1964, David married his sweetheart, Janet R. Carlberg. Together, they have enjoyed a 50 year journey of love and cherished friendship. Besides his beloved wife, David is survived by several cousins, in-laws and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with David’s family on Thursday, June 11, from 5-7 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral service honoring his life will be held on Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. in Immanuel Lutheran Church, 346 Shrewsbury Street, Holden. Private burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Sweetpea for Animals, 1090 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612 or to the American Cancer Society , 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701.