Thomas James Schwenk

Tom Schwenk, a resident of Galveston since 2001, passed away while recovering from heart surgery at PAM Rehabilitation Hospital in Clear Lake on July 23, 2025, at the age of 69. Tom loved and thrived in his adopted hometown of Galveston; he often said, "Those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough." Throughout his life, Tom achieved great success in his many careers, but he was most proud of his involvement with and support of numerous community organizations, and of his unwavering commitment to the love of his life and husband, Jack Bell.
Tom was born on Wednesday, May 23, 1956, in Englewood, NJ, the third son of Joseph R. and Joan J. Schwenk. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ, attending the local public schools before enrolling at St. Cecilia High School in Englewood. During high school, Tom was very active-he ran track and cross country, served as the basketball team manager, and was chosen as Senior Class President. After graduating from St. Cecilia in 1974, he attended St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. There, he majored in business and managed the student-run Rathskeller bar on campus back when the drinking age was 18 in New York.
After graduating in 1978, Tom began his career as a management trainee at an up-and-coming sandwich shop. That early experience helped shape his lifelong belief in shopping local and supporting small businesses and tradespeople. After a year in that role, he followed in his father's footsteps and entered the shipping industry, taking a job with DF Young Freight Forwarders. However, he soon realized that opportunities for career growth were limited in that field. Looking to tap into the emerging technology sector for a new challenge, he took a job at Pitney Bowes selling word processors. The role was short-lived, as the company soon shut down its word processing division.
Tom quickly pivoted and found a new opportunity with Schumacher, a company that sold high-end wallpaper and fabrics. In 1984, Schumacher transferred him to Texas, giving him his own sales territory based out of Houston. Over the next two decades, Tom rose through the company's ranks and eventually served as Corporate Vice President of Sales and Marketing. After his time with Schumacher, Tom co-founded a consulting business called Seminars by Design with his business partner, Donna Vining. The company supported the interior design industry by offering continuing education for the American Society of Interior Designers and developing marketing and sales strategies for design businesses.
Tom and Jack began as weekenders in Galveston in the late 1980s. After Jack's retirement, they made Galveston their full-time home. In 2003, Tom earned his real estate license and began working in the local market. He quickly became one of the Island's most successful real estate agents, specializing in historic homes. In 2015, he was named REALTOR® of the Year by the Galveston Association of REALTORS® and went on to serve for 10 years on the Texas Association of REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC), eventually becoming Chair of the Political Involvement Committee. His leadership was also recognized nationally, and he was inducted twice into the National Association of REALTORS® RPAC Hall of Fame.
In 2018, Tom founded Tom's Galveston Real Estate, known for the taglines "Talk to Tom" and "Yippee Skippee." The firm grew steadily, and in 2022, it became part of the Coldwell Banker network as Coldwell Banker TGRE. Tom's success in real estate opened the door to a broad range of philanthropic efforts. He generously gave his time, talents, and treasure to help improve the lives of everyday Galvestonians. At one point, he was supporting more than 50 local charities every year.
Tom was deeply involved in civic and nonprofit life. He served as Chair of the Landmarks Commission for the City of Galveston, President of the Galveston Historical Foundation, Chair of the Galveston College Foundation, Vice Chair of the Women's Resource Council, and a Paul Harris Fellow with the Galveston Island Rotary Club. His community leadership earned him several awards, including the Mary McGowan Community Hero Award from ACCT (2024), OkraFest Honoree by Galveston's Own Farmers Market (2023), the Service Award for Outstanding Leadership from Galveston Island Nature Tourism (2019), the Vic Pierson Award from the Galveston Chamber of Commerce (2018), the Chamber's Community Hero recognition (2017), and an honor from the Sea Star Base (2017).
Tom met Jack Bell, the love of his life, during his first week in Houston in 1984. They built a loving relationship that lasted 41 years, until Jack's passing earlier this year. Tom was preceded in death by his husband, Jack; his parents, Joe and Joan; his older brother, Chris; and his niece, Courtney Schwenk. He is survived by his brothers, Joe Schwenk (Ericka) and Jim Schwenk (Susan); his cousin and chosen sister, Michelle Halady (Walter); nieces Amanda Harman (Phill), Stacey Lipe (Henry), Emilie Schwenk, and Annie Schwenk; nephews Joseph Schwenk (Mary Beth), Daniel Schwenk, and Brian Schwenk (Jake); and five grandnieces and one grandnephew. Tom loved his family dearly and cherished every visit with them.
He is also survived by his created family: Michael Golas, John Hayes, Meg Drislane, Kevin Connelly, Marianne Auriemma, Jim Amick, Doug Frey, Larry Krcma, Steven Everhart, Kevin Monroe, Jim Butts, Patrick Collins, Rich Spethman, Recie Kramer, Julie Ann Brown, and Shannon (Bryan) Caldwell.
In recent years, Tom leaned heavily on his nephew Brian and Brian's husband, Jake Heller, for support as he navigated Jack's end-of-life care and his own health challenges. Brian and Jake moved from Austin to Galveston in December 2021 to be closer to Tom and Jack, and Brian began working closely with Tom at Coldwell Banker TGRE. Brian will become Managing Director following Tom's death.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Tom's legacy of community support by donating to Galveston's Own Farmers Market (GoFM), the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council (GINTC), Access Care of Coastal Texas (ACCT), or the Galveston College Foundation.
Tom's family will receive visitors from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Tuesday, August 5, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston, TX. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Galveston, TX.