07/25/2025
All of us here at Coldwell Banker TGRE are saddened by the loss of our founder Tom Schwenk. He passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Wednesday July 23rd while recovering from heart surgery at the PAM rehabilitation facility in Webster TX.
Tom Schwenk was the consummate real estate professional, an entrepreneur, and philanthropist who used his formidable talents to improve the quality of life on Galveston Island.
Each year he donated to more than 50 local organizations with a focus on historical preservation, environmental protection, arts and culture, and education. On a personal level many people experienced his generosity first-hand as he was quick to write a check to help others.
Over the years Tom held many leadership roles in real estate, city, political, and community organizations. In addition to giving money, he generously donated his time and expertise to get projects and initiatives completed. From saving the Bishop’s Palace from demolition, to creating the San Jacinto Neighborhood Association, helping Galveston’s Own Farmers Market and Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council, to fundraising for the Lasker Community Pool, and supporting the Rainbow Crosswalk, the Downtown Lights, and the Absolute Equity mural, there are so many improvements to Galveston that benefited from Tom’s input. Little wonder he was often referred to as “the unofficial mayor of Galveston.”
Tom loved to help people to buy, sell, and lease Galveston. To honor his passion for real estate we will keep his business going strong. Effective immediately, Brian Schwenk is the Managing Director of Coldwell Banker TGRE, and Brian Kuhn is the Managing Broker of Coldwell Banker TGRE. Tom was proud of the “white gloves service” he offered to all clients and we know that he would want us to continue to provide top quality professional service to our clients.
Funeral details to follow.
We thank the Galveston Daily New for the wonderful tribute that ran in the paper yesterday. He would have really got a kick out the story being the "most popular" on the website today! You can read it here: https://www.galvnews.com/news/renowned-galveston-realtor-booster-tom-schwenk-dies-at-69/article_c7fa784f-7ae6-5095-a1f6-7f75390a1141.html