SWIFT, Leo F. Leo F. Swift - February 7, 1944 to February 13, 2024 Leo F. Swift, of Wellesley, passed away on February 13, 2024, at the age of 80, after a brave battle with IPF, a rare lung disease without a cure. Born in 1944 to Leo Swift and Anne Dedrick Swift, Leo grew up in Somerville with his sisters, Beverly Swift Purtell and Valerie Swift Bird. An exceptional student and multi-sport athlete from a young age, Leo won numerous awards for his outstanding performances in football, basketball, track, and baseball at Matignon High School in Cambridge, as well as in citywide and state-level competitions. His athleticism and intellectual curiosity continued to define him at Harvard College, where he studied Government while playing on the football team, forging bonds with teammates that endured for life. After Harvard, Leo furthered his education at the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth before later completing his MBA at Babson College. This scholarly period was interrupted by Leo's service in Vietnam as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, a role he took immense pride in. In 1969, he married Victoria Trotter. Together, they had two daughters, Jennifer and Hannah, whom Leo adored more than anything in the world. The young family first resided in Acton, Massachusetts before moving to London, when Leo became President of Atlantic International Bank, an affiliate of Shawmut National Bank. Throughout his life, Leo remained profoundly devoted to his daughters and loved taking an active role in their lives as they married and started families of their own. In 1990, Leo married Amy L. Auerbach. Amy became his best friend, partner and inseparable travel companion, exploring the unspoiled wilderness of North America, especially western Canada, pulling along ski equipment and golf clubs, depending on the season. Amy and Leo's marriage was defined by a deep and loving devotion to each other and the joy they experienced with a wide circle of friends and profound commitment to their children and grandchildren. As Jennifer's and Hannah's families grew, they ensured quality family time remained a priority, living nearby, seeing them frequently, vacationing on Cape Cod and traveling together. A loving father and doting grandfather, many of Leo's greatest joys came from the special bonds he shared with his four grandchildren, Evelyn LaMont, Theodore Budreski, Griffin Budreski and Leo LaMont. Always quick with a warm smile and words of encouragement, he reveled in every moment spent with his grandkids, attending their activities as their biggest fan. Leo took immense pride in who they were becoming, constantly checking on all aspects of their lives through endless conversations and text exchanges full of humor, wisdom and unconditional love. Professionally, Leo enjoyed a highly distinguished career in finance and business leadership. He worked at Shawmut Bank in various capacities until 1985 when he transitioned to a private real estate partnership. In 1998, he joined Energy New England as COO before rising to CEO, diversifying his expertise in the energy and utilities sphere, until retiring in 2011. For the last two decades of his life, Leo also devoted tremendous energy to two non-profit organizations deeply aligned with his values - Wellesley Friendly Aid, supporting all residents regardless of age or income, and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, preserving 1,100 acres of precious parkland and connecting people to open spaces and nature. Serving as Treasurer, his financial acumen and passionate commitment allowed both organizations to thrive. Leo was a true Renaissance man whose boundless curiosity and kind-hearted nature touched all who knew him. An insatiable reader and lover of art, culture and travel, he avidly consumed newspapers and books while amassing unique collections of coins and beach glass over the years. A talented athlete into adulthood, Leo enjoyed an active lifestyle of cycling, golfing and skiing in his free time. His good-natured wit, warmth and positive spirit attracted friends from all walks of life. Leo is survived by his beloved wife, Amy; daughters, Jennifer Swift (spouse Brian LaMont) and Hannah Budreski (spouse Mark Budreski); sisters, Beverly Swift Purtell (spouse James Purtell) and Valerie Swift Bird (spouse Gary Bird); grandchildren, Evelyn, Theodore, Griffin and Leo; niece Lauren Purtell, nephews, Michael and Daniel Auerbach; an extended family in Chicago; and a wide circle of devoted friends, both old and new. A Celebration of his exceptional Life is being planned for the spring, with memorial donations welcome at the charities closest to Leo's heart.
View the online memorial for Leo F. SWIFTPublished by Boston Globe from Mar. 9 to Mar. 10, 2024.
