Charles Thomas ‘Tom’ Swaim, 84
Charles Thomas “Tom” Swaim passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025. He was 84. Tom is survived by his wife Betsy Swaim; three sons Jeffrey Swaim, David Swaim (Michelle), and Derek Swaim; and his stepchildren Topher Grennan and Stephanie Pike (Tommy). He also leaves his sister Nancy Crone (David) of Berea, Ohio. Tom was the proud grandfather of 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Edna Swaim, and his first wife, Jeanine “Jeanie.”
His 54-year legal career brought him huge satisfaction, especially being affiliated with Sherburne, Powers & Needham and leading the merger to Holland & Knight. Tom was known to many as a person to be trusted completely, respected beyond measure, and wise not only in the law, but in life as well. He had a genuine interest in and cared for everyone he met, be they fellow attorney, friend, neighbor, handyman, or stranger. Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. Everyone has a favorite story or memory of how impactful his presence was in their lives.
Tom was born September 23, 1940, in Fremont, Ohio. He graduated from high school in Washington Court House, Ohio. He graduated in 1962 from Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was president of his senior class. Tom graduated from Northwestern School of Law in 1965. He served as managing partner at Sherburne, Powers & Needham prior to its 1999 merger with Holland & Knight, where he became chairman of the board for several years. Tom was instrumental in effecting the merger and in the post-merger integration of the two firms. He was an outstanding lawyer focusing on construction, real estate, and education issues. Tom made regular appearances before government bodies. He had extensive international experience, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
He was town counsel for several years. Tom received multiple awards and recognition for his legal prowess. He retired in 2019 after practicing law for 54 years. In retirement, Tom was active in Acton, serving on the town Finance Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Acton Prison Outreach, teaching classes on entrepreneurial leadership to inmates at various prisons. He also served as a trustee for both Carleton-Willard Village and Newbury Court. Tom was the clerk for the Arts, Literature, and Music Committee for the 250th celebration in Acton. Tom’s favored gatherings (aside from family and friends) were “Romeos,” his book club, and The Acton Players. His all-time joys were spent with his wife Betsy of 13 years, his wife Jeanie of 45 years, and his children and grandchildren. He was well known and loved by many residents of Acton.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Acton, on Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.
Livestream of the service can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@TriConChurch/streams.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mighty Moose (mightymoose5k.org), Highrock Church (Highrockarlington.org), or another charity close to your heart.Arrangements under the care of Acton Funeral Home, concordfuneral.com.
