It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our friend, past Board member and supporter of LCCC. Peter was a man of great faith and a tremendous heart for our community’s most vulnerable. We hold his family in our prayers. God has welcomed a new champion into heaven. Thank you Pete! May you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord!

Dr. Peter Thomas Swallow, age 87 of Hartland, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 4, 1933 in Detroit, MI to Leslie Thomas and Loretta Marie (Schmitt) Swallow. Peter graduated from U of D Jesuit High School and continued on to U of D College. He put himself through college working at Chrysler alongside his grandfather, whom he cherished. Peter was also a graduate professor at U of D. On May 25, 1957, he married Judith M. Maskell at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Southfield.

Peter followed in his father’s footsteps and acquired his father’s packaging business, Swallow & Associates, located in Lathrup Village. In 1969, Peter founded Creative Foam Corporation in Fenton, MI. His company has now grown into three divisions: automotive, healthcare and wind energy. As a serial entrepreneur, Peter owned and invested in several other businesses in and around the Detroit area: restaurants, realty, plastics and environmental to name a few.

Peter was extremely community oriented and a philanthropist, contributing his time to many organizations which included serving as a volunteer police officer for 20 years with the Lathrup Village Police Department, teaching gourmet cooking classes as a wine and cheese expert and with Livingston County Catholic Charities where he served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. Peter continued to make significant contributions to the agency over the years, both financially and through strong fiscal advice.  He had a keen sense of non-profit finance and this agency truly benefited from his wisdom.

Peter is survived by his dear wife Judith, loving children, David (Brenda) Swallow and Mary Ellen Aria; adoring grandchildren, Hillary Lynn (Dan) Valko, Bailey Rose Ahmad, Madison Marie Ahmad and Garrett Thomas (Anna) Ahmad; cherished great grandchildren, Andrew James Valko and Henley Kaye Valko as well as his special canine friend Milo. His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Howell and was celebrated by Fr. Francis George.