Laurel’s longest-serving mayor led the town for 22 years and remained active in education, civic organizations and community development. Former Laurel Mayor John Shwed, whose 22 years in office made him the longest-serving mayor in the town’s history, has died.

Shwed served 11 terms as mayor from April 2003 until April 2025. During that time, he became closely identified with Laurel’s efforts to strengthen its economy, improve public safety, support local schools and revitalize the Broad Creek waterfront.

Originally from Scranton, Pa., he graduated from the University of Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in physics. An Army ROTC student, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1964 and served as an Air Defense Artillery officer before completing his active-duty military service.

In 1966, he and his wife, Bobbie, moved to Laurel after he accepted a position at the DuPont nylon plant in Seaford. The couple chose rural Sussex County over an employment opportunity in Manhattan, a decision he later said they never regretted. They raised two daughters in Laurel, and both daughters and their children graduated from Laurel High School.

Shwed worked for DuPont for over 27 years. After leaving the company, he spent three years as the startup chief executive officer of the Delaware Manufacturing Alliance, a nonprofit organization created to provide business and technical assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Delaware.

His civic involvement extended well beyond town hall. He helped establish nonprofit organizations through Lions International and in the Laurel community, served with the Laurel Lions Club and its vision programs, participated in the Laurel Community Foundation and served on the Laurel School Board. Beginning in 2003, he also worked in the Laurel School District in a variety of assignments, including as an instructional paraprofessional with students with special needs.

Shwed entered municipal politics after Laurel business leaders encouraged him to run for mayor in 2003. He later said his public service was rooted in gratitude for the welcome he and his family received when they arrived in town.

As mayor, he promoted a two-part economic development strategy centered on the Broad Creek area and the U.S. 13 corridor. He supported the waterfront vision known as The Ramble, including plans for parkland, walkways, historic redevelopment and new businesses, while also encouraging commercial growth along the highway corridor.

He viewed economic growth as a means to expand Laurel’s tax base, improve services and stabilize tax rates. He also supported community policing, the “One Laurel” initiative and investments intended to make the town safer while recognizing the diversity of its residents.

Public safety remained a major concern during his final years in office. In his farewell remarks, Shwed called for stronger law enforcement tools, including license plate readers and additional surveillance technology, while also emphasizing the importance of youth programs and education.

He frequently defended the Laurel School District and praised educators, coaches and volunteers who worked with local children. He also called for changes in Delaware’s school funding system and remained interested in recreational projects, including pickleball and tennis courts and a skate park at the North Laurel Early Learning Academy.

Town Manager Jamie Smith, who worked with Shwed throughout his 22 years as mayor, said his decisions were guided by what he believed was best for Laurel as a whole.

“Every decision or vote he made, he made it with what he felt was best for Laurel as a whole,” Smith said. “Whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he stood behind those decisions because he put thought and a rationale into all of them. He never made a rash decision. He was very proud of this town, and he served in a way that made Laurel proud.”

Smith also described Shwed as a respectful and thoughtful leader who valued the opinions of those around him, even when they did not agree. She said he had a strong affection for Laurel’s residents, town employees and schoolchildren, as well as a love of music and a keen sense of humor.

State Sen. Bryant Richardson said the former mayor’s impact would extend well beyond his years in office. “Mayor Shwed’s contributions to the betterment of Laurel will be felt for generations to come,” Richardson said. “I always thought of him as a humble man, someone more interested in honoring others than stepping into the limelight himself. He will be greatly missed.”

Shwed’s final term ended after he lost the 2025 municipal election to Councilman Carlos Oliveras, who was sworn in as mayor during the April 21, 2025, meeting of Laurel Mayor and Council.

Oliveras said his predecessor’s 11 terms in office, involvement with community organizations and work in the school system made his influence difficult to overstate. “Mayor Shwed will always be a giant in the town of Laurel,” Oliveras said.

Oliveras pointed to Tidewater Park, the basketball courts at North Laurel and Shwed’s advocacy for tennis and pickleball courts as examples of projects tied to his focus on young people and Laurel’s growth. “He served our country with honor, as well as our town,” Oliveras said. “The entire town of Laurel salutes you.”

State Rep. Tim Dukes also cited Shwed’s influence in both municipal government and the schools. “John was a great leader who always worked to make Laurel a better place to live,” Dukes said. “The past few years, he worked in the schools and always was such a positive influence on everyone. He was always supportive of me as a legislator and frequently shared his views on shaping the future of our community. I was always proud to call him mayor but more importantly friend.”

In his “farewell address” offered during his final council meeting as mayor, Shwed thanked the town staff, council members and the state and federal officials who had supported Laurel during his years in office. Drawing on his military background, he said he had approached the office with the principles of duty, honor and country, adding that he had served with a love of both country and community.

His public career also formed an unusual link with his childhood in Scranton. Shwed and former Seaford Mayor Guy Longo grew up together, attended the same schools and later unexpectedly reunited as employees at the Seaford DuPont plant. Both eventually became longtime mayors of neighboring western Sussex County communities.

Shwed’s life in Laurel spanned nearly six decades, from his arrival as a young Army veteran and DuPont engineer to his retirement from the mayor’s office. His record of 11 terms remains unmatched in the town’s history.

He is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.