News  Former Commissioner Charles B. Swartwood, III Mourned

Boston, MA — The State Ethics Commission mourns the passing of former Commission Chair Charles B. “Brownie” Swartwood, III, who died November 16 at age 85. Judge Swartwood was appointed to the Commission and named as its chair by Governor Deval Patrick in 2009 and served until his term expired in 2013. Prior to joining the Commission, Judge Swartwood had a distinguished career as an attorney with the Worcester law firm of Mountain, Dearborn, & Whiting, then, following his 1993 appointment, as the first full-time U.S. Magistrate Judge assigned to the U.S. District Court in Worcester, and from 2005 until his 2006 retirement from the federal court, as Chief Magistrate Judge.

“Brownie is remembered at the Commission for his incisive mind and steadying presence, and fondly recalled for his good humor and kindness,” said Executive Director David A. Wilson. “The Commission staff who served during Brownie’s chairmanship will never forget his generosity in hosting them at his beautiful Cotuit home to cookout and enjoy some time with him on the water.”

Following his service as Commission Chair, Judge Swartwood continued to actively support the Commission and its work, and, in 2021 and 2022, generously volunteered his time to serve as a volunteer mediator in the Commission’s mediation pilot program. An obituary may be viewed here.