SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – John Nels Swanson passed away on July 1, 2026, at The Meadows in Rutland, Vt., at age 64. John was born in Rutland, Vt., but spent most of his life in Springfield, Vt. He was the son of Robert and Mary (Parker) Swanson.
John graduated from Springfield High School in 1980, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education from the University of Vermont in 1984, and, in 1991, received his Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Vermont. During his career as a history and social studies teacher, he taught at Fall Mountain Regional High School, Bellows Falls Middle School, Springfield High School, and Riverside Middle School for the last 22 years of his career.
His accomplishments include being a track and cross-country coach for several schools, a member of the Springfield Selectboard, a cemetery commissioner for the Town of Springfield, and a Vermont VFW Middle School Social Studies Teacher of the Year; attending 15 years of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College; completing the Vermont 251 Club; and serving many roles as a member of the Springfield Calvary Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Springfield Historical Society, cofounded its high school history intern program, and served as archivist and officer. He was a member of the Vermont Civil War Hemlocks, Civil War reenactors.
One of his proudest achievements was publishing his book “War Tears” in 2024 and signing it for his readers. He was an avid reader and loved going to bookstores and book talks. He was known for his extensive history book collection.
John was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Ken Nelson; his nephew and nieces, Joel (Christy) Nelson, Emily Nelson, and Dana (Kyla) Nelson; and two great-nephews, Julian and Luca.
A service for John will be held on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m., at the Calvary Baptist Church in Springfield, Vt. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Calvary Baptist Church, 156 Main Street, Springfield, VT 05156; or The Springfield Art and Historical Society, 65 Route 106, North Springfield, VT 05150.
Davis Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements.