Dr. Anthony Swetz Jr.

Dr. Anthony Swetz, Jr., a psychologist, educator, storyteller, culinary enthusiast, and beloved father and grandfather - known for asking tough questions and making excellent crab soup - passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11 at the age of 77. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on September 28, 1948, Tony arrived in the world feet-first - a full breech delivery that set the tone for a lifetime of doing things differently. Raised by his devoted parents, Helen Sczepucha Swetz and Anthony Swetz, Sr., Tony was curious, bright, and independent from the start. A priest encouraged him to become an altar boy and join the Boy Scouts, and despite a healthy resistance to authority, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His path led to the seminary, but his time there was marked by deep introspection and increasingly inconvenient questions that saw him depart for a traditional university. While the priesthood wasn't in the cards, the experience gifted him the tools he needed to think critically, challenge assumptions, and care deeply for people - qualities that shaped a lifetime of service in the field of psychology. Tony earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 1970, his M.A. from Catholic University in 1972, and his Ph.D. in counseling from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1982. He spent the next four decades working in mental health and forensic psychology across Maryland, including running his own private practice since 1979. From leading addiction recovery and trauma programs at Springfield Hospital Center, to directing inmate mental health services for the Maryland Public Safety and Correctional Services division, and serving as Chief of Mental Health for the Maryland Division of Correction, he dedicated his life to caring for the overlooked and underserved. A trusted forensic expert witness in state courts, Tony also taught extensively at institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Hood College, and through Maryland's addiction services training programs. He published widely on mental health, addiction, trauma, and correctional systems. Outside the professional sphere, Tony's truest joy was in the kitchen. He showed his love through food, and few things made him happier than preparing a meal for family and friends. He proudly carried on his mother's culinary traditions, perfecting favorites like Maryland crab soup and crabcakes, and Polish staples like golumpkis (stuffed cabbage), which he made with love. Whether it was Sunday dinner or a spontaneous weekday feast, his kitchen was always open and filled with warmth. He also enjoyed maintaining a flourishing vegetable garden, DIY projects around the house, the quiet challenge of golf, and the even greater joy of grandparenting. His grandchildren were his heart. Whether pulling coins from behind their ears (a trick that mystified them every time) or showcasing his treasured 1940s American Flyer trainset, Tony never missed a chance to make them laugh - and learned quickly that a toddler is a tougher audience than any courtroom. He is survived by his loving wife since 1973, Eula Randolph Cureton Swetz, and their children, who were truly the light of his life: Anthony Christopher Swetz (wife Jennifer Rohrbach) of Leesburg, VA; Joshua Council Swetz (wife Aja Pollack) of Baltimore, MD; Abigail Eula Swetz (husband Babak Arbabha) of Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and his honorary son, Charles Oetter, of DeRidder, LA. His gifts of a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and attention to detail were passed on to his children, and already evident in his young grandchildren, Cyrus and Azadeh Arbabha. Tony is also survived by his brother, Mark Swetz of La Follette, TN. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan Swetz, and his parents. Dr. Tony Swetz lived a life rich in service, laughter, critical thinking, and impeccable seasoning. He was a scholar with a spatula, a therapist with a golf swing, and a grandfather who could pull off magic tricks with flair. He leaves behind a family who adored him and a legacy of compassion and truth-telling that continues through all who knew him. A celebration of life will occur in 2026 for family and friends. Services provided by Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com