In Loving Memory
1944 – 2026
Dave Swayze, a partner with Parkowski, Guerke & Swayze since 2003, was a native Delawarean and a distinguished member of the Delaware bar. His commitment to the legal profession and public service was unparalleled, and he inspired others with his great intellect, humility, political acumen and his love of the State of Delaware. He was truly an advocate for the First State, and he provided advice and counsel to political leaders, including many who have served in the Delaware Senate.
The 5-plus decades of his career included his service as an Officer in the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division from 1969 to 1972. He served as Wilmington City Solicitor under Mayor Tom Maloney and Legal Counsel and Chief of Staff to Governor Pete DuPont. He also served on DEFAC, WEFAC, chairman of the Board of Downtown Visions, chairman of the Delaware Sentencing Research and Evaluation Committee, chairman of the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, chairman of the Wilmington Housing Authority and other boards, councils and commissions too numerous to mention.
Dave was honored by Governor Carney with The Order of the First State on August 18, 2022. During the ceremony, Governor Carney remarked on Dave’s contributions stating: “When I think about the last 50 to 60 years and the progress we’ve made in Delaware, no one is more representative than this wise man standing next to me.”
