David C. Mcswain, Jr.

DAVID C. McSwain, (85) Wilton Resident and Business Executive

David C. McSwain Jr. (85) of Wilton, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He lived a long, happy and productive life. David, or Dave as he was known, had a charismatic personality that would charm everyone with whom he came in contact. He enjoyed meeting new people and engaging in conversation.

He was born in Greenville, S.C. on January 13, 1939, to the late David C. McSwain, Sr.  and Carrie Mae Eubanks McSwain and grew up in Charlotte, N.C. Winning a scholarship to Harvard College, he graduated with honors with a B.A. in English in 1961 where he also rowed crew and was Cadet Commander of the Air Force ROTC Unit. After earning his undergraduate degree, he graduated with an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1963 where he was President of the Marketing Club. David married his high school sweetheart, Beverly, in the middle of his senior year at Harvard College, after her early graduation from UNC.

Following his graduation and time in Boston, David served as an officer in the Air Force outside Los Angeles, receiving a commendation medal for negotiating missile contracts. He and Beverly enjoyed California and returned many times during their years together.

David began his business career in Cincinnati with Procter & Gamble in 1966 and spent 8 ½ years in marketing, working on many beloved brands including Pampers Diapers. He spent two years in marketing consulting with Glendinning Associates in Westport where he was a Vice President, living in Wilton for the first of two times. David then spent seven years in Chicago, as Vice President of Marketing for Abbott Laboratories Consumer Products and as Vice President/General Manager for Sara Lee Desserts, before returning to Wilton in 1983. Upon his return to Connecticut, he spent over 2 decades as a management consultant; the first 10 years at Clarion Marketing and then 10 years as President of McSwain Associates. During the last 20 years of his career, he consulted for well over 100 companies, including many of the nation’s largest consumer goods and services corporations, developing growth strategies and plans to increase sales and profits.

He traveled extensively throughout his career, flying over one million miles, visiting almost all the U.S. states and major cities as well as several foreign countries. Among all his travels, one of his favorite places to visit was Myrtle Beach, SC where he vacationed annually with Beverly and their 3 children: Chris, Julie and Jeff.

Retiring in 2005, he stayed busy reading extensively, completing about 150 books a year. He also enjoyed spending time researching various subjects of interest and spending time with his wonderful family. Being lifelong dog lovers, David and Beverly had many beloved family dogs. Nicky, a Bichon Frise, was a loving companion for 12 years after the passing of Button, also a Bichon, who was part of the family for 15 years. Dave and Bev remained best and loving friends throughout their marriage and all their 65 years together until her passing in 2023.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Lutz of Sandy, UT, his son Jeff McSwain of Wilton, CT and his granddaughter, Stephanie Lutz of Altoona, PA. He was predeceased by his wife Beverly McSwain, his older son, David Christopher McSwain and his younger brother, Richard McSwain.

Burial will be private. Donations may be made to Save the Children.