Kenneth Alan Sweder

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Kenneth Alan Sweder of Boston and Chilmark, MA, December 13, 2025, passed away after 81 remarkable and joyful years from pancreatic cancer. An adored husband of 57 years to Gerri, beloved dad to Justin (Heather Barber) of Arlington, MA and Rebecca Platt (Charlie) of Newton, MA, proud Papa to Noah, Zoë, Jordan, Simon and Stella, valued brother to Gerald (Nancy), and uncle, cousin and friend. Ken made an indelible impact with his positivity, integrity and warmth.

Born on the Lower East Side to his doting parents Edna and William accompanying his beloved older brother Gerald, and raised in Kew Gardens Hills, his childhood was full of happiness and fun. He attended Muhlenberg College where he had an impressive tenure as President of the student council and NYU Law School where he served as the Editor of the Law Review.

Ken had a fulfilling and distinguished career in Boston. He served as the Assistant to the President of Brandeis University, followed by an immensely satisfying career as a corporate litigator. From Kaye, Fialkow, Richmond and Rothstein to Stroock and Stroock and Lavan to co-founding his own practice, Sweder and Ross, Ken took great pride in his role as the lawyer in many of Boston’s high-profile cases and serving the public good, including arguing a MA Supreme Court case in support of the Separation of Church and State.

His community leadership and devotion to social justice defined his life. He served as president of the New England region of the American Jewish Congress and Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. He was devoted to a number of important causes including as Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Coalition to Save Darfur, Trustee on the Board of Facing History and Ourselves, and as an advocate for affordable housing on Martha’s Vineyard.

Beyond his community and professional pursuits, Ken delighted in being the most engaged, loving, fun, dynamic and playful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He never missed an opportunity to root on one of his adoring grandchildren at their sports events or host a dinner party in Chilmark to connect with dear friends. Ken’s kindness, openness, generosity of spirit, and loving personality will be deeply missed by many loving circles of family and friends.

Services at Temple Israel, Boston, MA on December 14, 2025 at 2:30 pm. (Parking in garage). A private burial will be held in Chilmark, MA. Memorial Observance will be at the home of Rebecca and Charlie Platt following service today 5-7:30 pm and Monday 5:30-7:30 pm. Donations can be made in his honor to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (jcrcboston.org) or Harbor Homes MV //www.harborhomesmv.com.