Friends and family are mourning the passing of former Massachusetts State Representative and civil rights activist Benjamin Swan.
Swan died yesterday at the age of 92. He previously served as the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement in the 60s.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno called him a well-respected leader by all and a quiet warrior who never looked for any accolades for himself, adding that he worked very hard to provide for his district and the city of Springfield.
Springfield Congressman Richard Neal said, "“I join a grateful Springfield community in mourning the passing of Ben Swan. A tireless civil rights advocate and a steadfast voice for his beloved city of Springfield, Ben dedicated his life’s work to uplifting those around him. While we had the pleasure of serving our community in different capacities for many years, I first met Ben while delivering his newspaper as a delivery boy for the Springfield Union News. Over the years, I thoroughly enjoyed our frequent visits, both in Springfield and in Washington, D.C. I could always count on him for his thoughtful perspective, never allowing any bitterness or cynicism to define the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and all those who were touched by Ben’s lifetime of service."
Funeral Services have not been released.
(Photo: Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno's Office)
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