Laurel paused to remember its mayor of 22 years. At its October 19 meeting, Laurel's Mayor and Council presented a formal tribute to the family of former Mayor John Shwed, who died August 2 at age 84.
Shwed served as Laurel's mayor from April 2003 to April 2025 — 11 straight terms, and the longest-serving mayor in the town's history. Before that: the Army, 27 years at DuPont, 15 years on the school board, the Lions Club, and a hand in starting the Laurel Senior Center and transitional housing for neighbors in need.
"He never made a rash decision," Town Manager Jamie Smith said. "He was very proud of this town, and he served in a way that made Laurel proud."
The town lowered its flags for a week after his passing. Our condolences to the Shwed family, and to everyone in Laurel who called him Mayor.
Photo: the Shwed family receives the tribute (submitted photo, Morning Star).
Source: Town of Laurel, Oct. 19; Morning Star Publications, Oct. 29.
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