Eskil “Swede” Emanuelson, 84 of Palm Harbor, Florida passed away peacefully Sunday, May 27, 2018 surrounded by his loving wife, Sharon, daughter Kim, and son Erik. Swede was born in Sweden on December 6, 1933 and was the seventh child of ten children. Upon graduation at the age of 17 years old he left Sweden and joined the Swedish Merchant Marines to see the world. The ship docked at the port of Tampa, Florida in 1957 on route to New York. He would always remember the Tampa Bay area. He did go on to New York where he resided in Valley Cottage. He went to work for a ceramic tile company to learn the trade. While pursing his tile career in New York, he worked very hard and trained to become a professional boxer. During the harsh winters in New York he came to Florida for six weeks out of the year. In 1966, this is where he met and married his wife Sharon of 52 years. After they married they moved back to Valley Cottage. Their daughter Kim was born there in 1967. In 1970 they decided to make a permanent move back to Florida. In 1971 his father-in-law, who was in the construction business persuaded Swede to start his own tile business. He took his father-in-law's advice and started “Swedes Tile, Inc.” Which is still in business. In 1972 his son Erik was born. Swede was very active in boxing, bowling, and especially soccer as he continued to play on a league while in his early 80's.

The Celebration of Life ceremony for Swede will be held at Dobies Funeral Home on Saturday, June 16th from 2:00-4:00 PM.