Herbert L. Swift

Herbert Lawrence Swift passed away on January 5, 2022, at the age of 87 He was born in Vienna, Austria the son of Irene Krochmal Swiwcz and Ernst Swiwcz In 1939 he emigrated with his mother to New York City, where he attended local public schools and the Bronx High School of Science. A graduate of Columbia University College of Pharmacy, he practiced community pharmacy in Troy, Lake Placid, Poughkeepsie, and Albany. A career change in 1988 led him to the NY State Department of Health as a biochemist. and two years later to sanitary chemist dealing with water pollution control. He was responsible for field laboratories and eventually became Quality Control Officer retiring in 1995. A former member of Temple Berith Sholom, Herb has been a member of B'nai Sholom Reform Congregation, has served on the Board of Trustees, was Chairperson of the Ritual Committee and was active in the formation and development of the Caring Community. Herb regularly attended Torah Study and was the official coffee maker for extended sessions. He loved reading, especially science fiction, music and tinkering. He enjoyed Torah study, Rabbi Cashman's courses and Steve's classes. Above all, he was devoted to his family and was beloved by its members Herb took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ruth, their daughters Elizabeth Swift and Rachel Swift, and grandchildren, Julia Swift Crooks and Matthew Swift Crooks We are truly grateful for the skillful, kind compassionate care he received at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home during his lengthy illness.

 Herbert's funeral will take place Sunday, January 9 at 10 A.M.at Congregation B'nai Sholom , 420 Whitehall Road in Albany followed by interment at Elmwood Hill Cemetery 51 Belle Ave, Troy. Shivah will be observed at the Swift home in Guilderland on Sunday Evening at 7:30 and virtually on Monday and Tuesday at 7:30. Masks and social distancing are required. In Herb's memory, Contributions to B'nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420 Whitehall Rd, Albany, 12208 or the Regional Food Bank of NENY, 965 Shaker Rd., Latham, NY 12110.

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