Attorney David J. Swartz, recently celebrated his 78th birthday, died unexpectedly Monday, June 1, 2009 from a sudden heart attack at his home. He was the husband of Suzanne E. (Faxon) Swartz.
Born in Haverhill on April 2, 1931, he was the son of the late David and Katherine (McKenna) Swartz. David was a graduate of the former St James High School in Haverhill, continued on to receive a BA from Providence College in 1952 and earned his JD at Harvard Law School in 1955, having scored a perfect score in the first of Harvard's entrance exams. When asked about this rare accomplishment, he always responded, "It was easy, it was all based on Philosophy back then and that was my undergraduate study". David was humble despite his many accomplishment and accolades throughout his life.
David was known for his intelligence and quick wit. Many sought his counsel on any matter of topics; political, historical or spiritual. He was a "human Google" of sorts and a trusted advisor to many.
A lifelong resident of Haverhill, David spent nearly his entire professional career in civil service beginning in 1975 with two terms as a Massachusetts State Representative and 24 years as a prosecutor with the Essex County District Attorney's office. His associations were numerous, and his reach into the city of Haverhill was vast. David was a member of both the Haverhill and Merrimac Historic committees as well as the Haverhill Zoning Board of Appeals. He also proudly served as a member of the Democratic City and Ward 4 committees. He also served a term as a Haverhill City Councilor. The most recent recognition to his commitment was the awarding of the Justice William Moody Award.
Clearly a servant to the city, David was equally dedicated to his family. In addition to his wife, Suzanne and her two children, Robyne and her husband, Ronald Uliano of Atkinson, NH and Barry Lavoie of Haverhill, David leaves his six children deeply saddened yet grateful for his love and equally prepared to contribute to life as he did. They include Rebecca and her husband, James Kennedy of Medford, Stephany and her husband, Stephen Kern of Westerly, RI, Christopher and his wife, Sylvia Swartz of E. Hampstead, NH, Deborah Roberts of Grapevine, AR, Sheryl and her husband, Christopher Chalmers of E. Hampstead, NH and Rachel and her husband, Stephen McClary of Framingham. David also leaves behind his brother, Dennis and his wife, Elaine Swartz of Williamsburg, Virginia. His legacy will continue to live on in the grandchildren and great grandchildren he has left behind: Amanda Swartz, Sarah Kennedy, Vanessa Schiavoni, Matty and Maggie Uliano, Nicole Lavoie, Jackson, Adam and Spencer Chalmers and Olivia and Elle McClary and four great-grandchildren, Alex and Marissa Schiavoni and Matthew and Eva Schiavoni. David will be joining Nancy Swartz, his first wife of 11 years as well as his grandson, Lance Corporal, Nickolas Schiavoni, USMC who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday in the St. James Parish, 185 Winter Street, Haverhill at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Haverhill Boys & Girls club, 55 Emerson Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830. Interment will be held in the St. James Cemetery, Haverhill.