Herbert Swarzman

Herb Swarzman, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Tampa on August 27, 2025, surrounded by care and love.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 29, 1937, Herb lived a life of integrity, passion, and fierce dedication to his family, his community, and the State of Israel, and the Jewish people.
A tireless advocate for Israel, Herb gave his heart and soul to strengthening U.S.–Israel relations and advancing Jewish causes. He served in numerous leadership roles in several organizations throughout his life, including more than 30 years on the board of the Tampa Jewish Federation. He also chaired and co-chaired the Tampa Bay American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and was a beloved faculty member in the Federation’s Hope Cohen Barnett Leadership Institute, where he mentored and inspired emerging Jewish leaders.
Herb’s impact extended far beyond just Tampa, or even Florida. He was passionate about taking countless politicians to Israel for the first time and introducing them to the spirit of the country and its people. Through these experiences, he helped shape a deeper understanding of Israel and fostered lasting political awareness, relationships, and support for Israel.
Herb’s lifelong dedication and leadership were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was the recipient of the 2009 Jewish National Fund Lifetime Achievement Award, the JNF Citation of Honor for co-chairing the Senator Paula Hawkins Dinner, and the PRIMER Advocacy Award and Leo Levinson Award for his volunteer work. He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 1984, attended the Prime Minister’s Conference for Jerusalem in 1993, and served as President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Israel Institute in 2006. In addition, Herb was invited to several historic political occasions, including the inaugurations of Governor Jeb Bush (2003), President Bill Clinton, and served as a Florida delegate for President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
Herb’s academic journey reflected his drive for excellence: he graduated from Dartmouth College, Class of 1958, where he was an active and engaged student leader, and later earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1967.
Known for his sharp wit, intelligence, and firecracker personality, Herb’s presence was always larger than life. He was especially skilled at fostering dialogue, building bridges, and creating meaningful outcomes that touched countless lives.
Herb was married to the late Dr. Joyce Burick Swarzman, a powerhouse in her own right, with whom he shared a marriage built on love, mutual respect, and devotion to education, community, and family. Joyce passed away on January 17, 2023. Herb was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Elizabeth, who was honored to share in his vibrant life and enduring love.
A graveside funeral service was held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Tampa. Shiva was observed at the family home on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
Herb’s memory will live on as a source of inspiration, strength, and love to all who knew him.