Terrence "Terry" Cunneen Swiger

Terrence Cunneen Swiger was born in Manhattan to the late Charles William Swiger and Elizabeth Clare Cunneen. He grew up in Freeport, New York with his parents, sister Susan and brother Charles.

He joined the Army at age 18 and spent much of his Military time serving at Walter Reed in Washington, DC. He went on to earn a degree at Hofstra University, and an MBA from the Univ. of Bridgeport. On January 13,1969, Terry married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Dolan. Together they raised four children in Fairfield, Connecticut, where Terry lived for 50 years until moving to North Carolina in 2023.

Terry started his career at Continental Can and moved on to become an Executive in the Paper Industry working for Federal Paper Board (60 miles one way) and finishing his career at Mohawk Paper. He was a devoted husband who adored his wife. Terry even spoke of Mary, his one true love, on the day of his own passing, sharing how much he missed her. Those who loved Terry and Mary take solace in knowing they are together again. His children will tell you that he was a man of wisdom, sincerity, and altruism. He was a real clotheshorse, always looking dapper. He enjoyed the finer things like opera music, savory cuisine (but it had to be hot!), and the NYT.

There were very few Sundays where you would not find him on the back porch at 1564 reading the Sunday times cover to cover. But what truly mattered most to Terry, were the simple beauties of everyday life. He was a calm and loving soul that recognized the value of being content with a warm fire in the fireplace, a successful summer garden, laughter with loved ones, dinners on the back porch and watching the ferries cross the Long Island Sound. He never met a stranger as he could get most people to relax and share in conversation, wherever he went. He would have even the crankiest cashier smiling after a short chat at the checkout. Terry’s ability to talk to others was a true gift, engaging in conversation with his warm blue eyes, always with empathetic listening, kind words of assurance and a sliver of clever advice. All who knew Terry would tell you that he was the epitome of a gentleman, always looking to lighten the load for others through sincere kindness. He had many little sayings he would often use to share his insight on how to navigate life. Over the years, his children began to call them Dadisms. Some Dadisms heard on a regular basis in the Swiger home would be: "It's just as easy to be five minutes early as it is to be five minutes late”, “Walk in there like you own the place”, “Tell them how the cat ate the cabbage”, “Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and again” and his most memorable quote often recited “People don’t stumble into greatness in a course of amusing themselves. All greatness evolves from a strong discipline and tenacity of purpose”.

The world is a better place for having had Terry journey through it. His small acts of kindness, generosity to strangers, and his undying love for his family are the real treasures he leaves behind. Terry will be greatly missed by all who knew him and most especially his four children, Clare Elizabeth Hannant and her husband, Seth Hannant, Terrence Cunneen Swiger, Jr. and his wife, Shannon Swiger, Siobhan Kerith Scappino and her husband, Mario Scappino, and Erich Cunneen Swiger. He also leaves behind a loving sister, Susan Swiger and her husband, Roger Munch; his cousin and best friend, Kevin Burrowes and his wife, Janet; as well as his most cherished six grandchildren, Brynn V. Hannant, Charles A. Hannant, Terrence C. Swiger III, Aidan W. Swiger, Patrick M. Scappino and Elizabeth M.J. Scappino.

He was predeceased by his mother and father; his brother, Monsignor Charles W. Swiger and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Swiger. Terry’s family is most grateful to all who loved him and held him dear.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: www.michaeljfox.org

A celebration of life for Terry will be held at a later date.

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC is assisting the Swiger family.