Richard S. Swensen Obituary
Richard Scott Swensen, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Cape Ann, Massachusetts on January 20, 2025. The retired FBI. Special Agent in Charge (Boston Division covering MA, NH, RI, and ME) and Massachusetts Director of Homeland Security is survived by his beloved wife Catherine Calcandy Swensen; his children Karen Swensen Ronquillo, Robert "Scott" Swensen (Sheila), and Kimberly Swensen Doherty (Paul); his cherished grandchildren Christopher, Caroline and Catherine, and step-grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Nick, Kevin and Caroline; his brother Lawrence Swensen (Bettyann), sister-in-law Patricia Bromberek and brother-in-law Peter Calcandy (Candace); plus many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe "Chris" and Margaret "Cam" Swensen, his brother Kenneth Swensen, brother-in-law Michael Bromberek, stepmother Evelyn Swensen and son-in-law John Ronquillo.
Having outlived his initial stage four cancer prognosis by thirty-five years, Richard beat odds and illnesses time and time again, to peacefully pass away having celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary with his "bride" Cathy and a beautiful Christmas and New Year with loved ones.
He was a man who lived by the virtues he swore to uphold: fidelity, bravery and integrity. He believed fervently in the mission of the FBI and the decency of the men and women who serve it.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Mineola, Long Island, Richard took great pride in his humble roots and heritage. The grandson of a Norwegian shipbuilder and Canadian Scotsman who helped build the New York City Subway, he was the great-nephew of John Croak, a coal miner who earned the Victoria Cross in World War I. His father proudly served in World War II.
Richard served in the U.S. Army's Counterintelligence Corps before joining the FBI. During his 29-year career with the FBI, he served as a firearms instructor and was a member of the SWAT team, but spent most of his career investigating fugitives, bank robbers and terrorists. He proudly served as a Special Agent in the Tampa and Chicago offices and became the Assistant. Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix office. He later served as Chief Inspector at FBI Headquarters and was the Special Agent in Charge of the New Orleans office before becoming the Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Division.
On 9/11/2001, his 61st birthday, he came out of retirement to direct the Office of Commonwealth Security that Governor Jane Swift created in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks and served as an advisor to Governors Swift and Romney.
Richard was also a Consultant for WBZ-TV (CBS affiliate) and provided on-air analysis on criminal justice, crisis management, terrorism and other security-related issues.
One of his greatest joys during his retirement was being a Guest Lecturer teaching Homeland Security and Terrorism at Harvard Law School and Kennedy School of Government, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, West Point, and Tulane University.
Richard spoke often of his upbringing. The eldest of three boys, he loved the Brooklyn Dodgers and just about any sport with a ball (plus boxing). He was a varsity athlete at Mineola High School, a lifeguard at Bar Beach and while also in high school, attended the New York Boys State program for citizenship and leadership before accepting a full lacrosse scholarship at Penn State. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and attended Fordham Law School, passing the New York bar on his first attempt.
There is a plaque that still hangs in his home that reads, "Home is Where the FBI Takes You.". He and Cathy embraced every post in their Great Adventure. He'd often joke about how the "guy from Brooklyn" wound up riding horseback on a search in the Arizona desert or piloting an airboat in the Louisiana swamp. Like his many ZIP codes, his friends fanned the country (and globe). He treasured them and the memories they created.
But most of all, he cherished his family, especially his wife Cathy. Often referring to her as "The Greek," "Calcer" or "My Bride," there was no hand he reached for or clung to like hers. She held his hand to the very end. They met in high school, dated in college and wed before grad school. They traveled the world, crisscrossed the country and raised a loving family. They vacationed for many years in Rangeley, ME where he would enjoy a cigar on the dock with his family. He also loved to root on the Nittany Lions, was an avid reader and never said no to playing golf. Richard treasured and was adored by his children: Karen, Scott and Kim and their beloved spouses. His grandchildren were the light of his life and remain his legacy.
Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9 a.m.-10:20 a.m. (with a Eulogy at 10:20 a.m.) at Saint Joachim Catholic Church, 56 Broadway Avenue, Rockport, MA, 01966. Mass will follow at 11am. The burial will immediately follow at Beech Grove Cemetery in Rockport. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
Flowers may be sent to Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930 or please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Children's foundation.
