Ralph E Swinburne

Ralph Erskine Swinburne, “Boomer”, age 94, of Florham Park, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of February 16, 2026. Ralph lived in Florham Park for 60 years, where he built a life rooted in family, community, and enduring friendships.

Born on March 11, 1931, in New York City, Ralph grew up in Flushing, Queens, and carried his New York roots with him throughout his life. He was the beloved son of Mildred Catherine (Goode) Swinburne and Ralph E. Swinburne, both of whom preceded him in death.

Ralph served his country with honor in the United States Army, including active duty from 1952–1954 in Germany. He later received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, 1st Infantry Division, on October 31, 1960.

A lifelong learner with a curious and brilliant mind, Ralph earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from New York University and later a Master of Science in Library Science from Columbia University. He built a fascinating career as a technical librarian and archivist, beginning in the early 1960s at Linde Corporation in Buffalo, New York, and later working in Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress. He spent years at Bell Labs, eventually retiring from AT&T New York in 1984.

One of the most memorable highlights of his professional life was a remarkable Middle East adventure, when Ralph and his family moved to Tehran, Iran, where he oversaw the creation of a technical library as part of a major telecommunications modernization project. This experience became a meaningful chapter in the family story—one that reflected Ralph’s adventurous spirit, intelligence, and willingness to embrace the wider world.

Ralph lived with deep enthusiasm and passion. He was an avid traveler who explored the world extensively. He also loved the sea and was a proud member of the New York Sailing Club, enjoying sailing adventures with friends along the Northeast coast, as well as to Bermuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Another of Ralph’s great passions was competitive pistol shooting, an interest he pursued with dedication and skill. He won awards over the years and became well known for hosting annual shooting picnics at his beloved summer home in Sparta, New Jersey—a place especially dear to him. Ralph spent summers in Sparta as a young child, and later returned there in a meaningful way by purchasing a summer home where he, his family, and friends created decades of memories.

Ralph also had a lifelong passion for woodworking. His famous man cave—filled with more tools than anyone could imagine—was a place of creativity, pride, and joy, and a space where he could tinker, build, and happily lose track of time.

Ralph also valued service and community, and volunteered with the AT&T Pioneers, the company’s network of dedicated volunteers.

Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith E. Nolan. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carol Giuffrida Swinburne; his daughters Pam Stanford (Bill) and Jennifer Ohrman (Ken); his stepchildren Michael Giuffrida (Liz) and Carolyn Henderson (Bruce); his grandchildren Jack, Ben, Annika, Sam, Zack, Gillian, and Julia; his sister Jackie Kleinfelder; and cherished nieces and nephews.

Affectionately nicknamed “Boomer”—a name lovingly given by his grandchildren that proudly stuck—Ralph will be remembered for his warmth, inclusivity, and the way he made people feel instantly at ease. He was known as the “fun uncle,” and always had a practical joke up his sleeve. To the kids, he was also famously known as “The Big Finger,” a family nickname that brought smiles and laughter to those who loved him most.

Ralph leaves behind a legacy of devotion, curiosity, and a life richly lived—one filled with family, friendship, adventure, and love.

The memorial visitation will be held at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday, February 20th from 4-7pm.  The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 21st, assembling at the funeral home at 10am, followed by a prayer service at the funeral home at 10:30am.  The repast will immediately follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ralph’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details…

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