John Joseph Shwed, known to all as John, passed away on Aug. 2, 2026, at his home in Laurel, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom, generosity, and faith that touched his family, his church, his town, and his state.

Born on March 13, 1942, in Scranton, Pa., John lived a life that reflected purpose from the very beginning. He was the son of John Shwed and Catherine Chwan Shwed, both of whom preceded him in death, and he carried the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance throughout every chapter of his life. Those who knew him understood that he was not a man content to simply observe the world around him. He stepped forward, took responsibility, and made things better.

John graduated from the University of Scranton in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, a milestone that spoke to both his intellect and his determination. Soon after, he served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 as an Air Defense Artillery Officer, answering the call to serve his country with discipline and honor. That same sense of duty would remain with him for the rest of his life, shaping the way he approached his work, his church, and his community.

Following his military service, John built a distinguished career in industry. He retired as a Technical Group Manager from the Seaford DuPont Fibers Plant in 1993, and then continued to lead by serving as Executive Director of the Delaware Manufacturing Alliance until January 1997. Even after retirement, he did not slow down, because leadership was never merely a title to him. It was a way of life. He understood that progress requires people who are willing to show up, think clearly, and work faithfully for the good of others.

John was also a devoted man of faith and a committed servant of the church. He was an active member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, where he served as Vestryman and Senior Warden. He also served on the Advance and Development Funds Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware. His faith was not quiet or passive. It was active, steady, and lived out through service. He believed in lifting others, strengthening institutions, and helping build communities rooted in hope and compassion.

His impact on public life in Laurel was extraordinary. John served three five-year terms on the Laurel Board of Education, including nine years as President. He was a past member of the Laurel Recreation and Planning committees, and he served six years as President of the Laurel Senior Center Board of Directors. He was instrumental in securing a permanent site for the Laurel Senior Center on Central Avenue, a lasting contribution that continues to serve the community. He also served as past President of the Laurel Community Foundation, the organization that built and operates Hope House I and II, providing transitional housing for people who are temporarily homeless. John believed that a strong community is measured not by its comfort, but by its compassion, and he spent his life helping create both opportunity and dignity for others.

John was deeply involved in the Laurel Lions Club and served in many capacities within the International Association of Lions Clubs, including District Governor for the Delaware Lions Organization and Chairman of the Lions Vision Research Foundation at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. He led two major fundraising campaigns with remarkable success, raising $1.1 million for Campaign SightFirst and $2.7 million toward the $4 million goal of Campaign Lions Vision 2000 to endow the Lions Vision Center at Johns Hopkins. These achievements were not simply numbers to John. They represented restored sight, expanded hope, and proof that determined people can create lasting change.

His service and leadership were recognized many times over the years. The Delaware Jaycees named him “Delaware Outstanding Young Man” in 1977, and the Delaware Lions honored him as the “Delaware Lions of the Year” in 1999. Yet even with these accolades, John remained grounded, approachable, and focused on the work itself rather than the praise. He led by example, and people followed because they trusted him.

John’s dedication to Laurel reached its highest expression when he served as Mayor of the town of Laurel from 2003 until 2025. For more than two decades, he stood as a steady and respected leader, guiding the town with experience, humility, and vision. He was the kind of mayor who understood that leadership is not about standing above people, but standing with them. His influence helped shape the town’s future, and his presence will be remembered for generations.

John is lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Barbara “Bobbie” C. Shwed, who preceded him in death, and by his daughters, Susan Whaley and her husband, Jeff Whaley, and Nancy Shwed. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Jordan Whaley, Zachary Whaley and his wife, Rachel, Garrett Whaley, and Sara Jo Whaley and her husband, Jose Sabinon Lopez. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Everett Whaley, Leonardi Sabinon Whaley, Lukas John Sabinon Whaley, and a special new addition on the way very soon. His family was one of his greatest joys, and he cherished them deeply.

A viewing will be held on Thursday evening, Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m, at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. Central Avenue, Laurel, Delaware 19956. Father Jack Anderson will officiate. Interment with military honors will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Laurel Community Foundation, P.O. Box 81, Laurel, Delaware 19956.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.