Gerald Swimmer
Obituary Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.
Gerald Edward Swimmer passed away on Oct. 3, his 80th birthday, after a yearlong illness.
He was loved by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Swimmer, son Ted (Dana) and daughter Robin Goldstein (Bart), along with six adoring grandchildren – Matthew, Caroline, Noah, Timothy, Georgia and Jacob. Gerry was a devoted family man, accomplished business executive and a kind, loyal, joyful person. He was loved and admired by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.
Born on Oct. 3, 1944, Gerry was the son of Seymour and Marcia Swimmer and grew up with his sister Janice in Queens. He attended Queens College where he met his wife, Dorothy, and then received a law degree from Harvard University. He started his career at the law firm Hughs Hubbard & Reed before moving to Ingersoll Rand where he worked for 30 years. There, Gerry rose to the executive ranks overseeing tax and insurance. He reveled in the relationships he made at IR and served as a mentor to many.
After residing for 40 years in Rye, Gerry retired and continued to follow his interest of law and history by teaching classes in Hilton Head, S.C. Gerry had many passions including reading, exercise, golf, sports and political theory. Dorothy and Gerry enjoyed long walks on the beaches of Hilton Head and the mountains of Lenox, Mass. They shared a love for the arts, frequently taking in museums, plays and concerts at Tanglewood.
Gerry maintained close friends from all facets of his life, relishing in book clubs, golf games and discussion groups. He fostered strong relationships with all of his grandchildren and loved being on the golf course with his grandsons.
Gerry was a lifelong New York Yankees and Giants fan and always enjoyed sports banter with his children and grandchildren. Above all else, Gerry’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, telling stories and smiling widely (often tearing up) as he watched them delight in being together.
A celebration of Gerry’s life was held at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua on Oct. 6. The family was sitting shiva at the home of Robin and Bart Goldstein through Tuesday, Oct. 8.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Percy E. Sutton SEEK Program at Queens College, which benefits qualified equity-deserving high school graduates (www.qcseek.info), Delany Hall, Kew Gardens Hills, N.Y. 11367); Tanglewood (www.bso.org), 297 West St., Lenox, Mass. 01240, Lean Ensemble Theater (www.leanensemble.org), P.O. Box 23214, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29925.
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