08/28/2026
Marvin Ira Swirsky, lovingly known as “Popoo,” age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27th, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Born March 31, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, Marvin grew up in Oak Park and traveled the country as a successful businessman. While raising their family in Glencoe, he was a determined marathon runner who completed many races, with his family traveling along to cheer him on from the sidelines. Ready for a brave new chapter, he and his loving wife, Carla, left Chicago with their daughter, Lizabeth, and son, Benjamin, to open Zest Cafe and Home Art in Raleigh in 1995. Marvin attended culinary school to lead the kitchen, while Carla brought her talent and passion for home decor to shape their business together. Zest became a beloved staple of the Raleigh community for over 30 years.
Marvin marched to the beat of his own drum, lived with love, put his family first, and made a lasting impact on those around him. A true Renaissance man, he was an avid reader with a green thumb who loved the Grateful Dead, Abraham Lincoln, and his big, beautiful dogs, Jonas, Truckee, ZZZ, Cabbie, and Taylor.
Marvin was reunited in peace with his late parents, Leona and Harold, and his sister, Rhoda Swirsky.
His legacy lives on through his partner in life, Carla; his daughter, Lizabeth (Mark) Goldberg; his son, Benjamin (Amanda) Swirsky; his cherished grandchildren, Lola, Isla, Lillian, and Hayes; and his sisters, Lauren Loomis and Gail Rabin.
A funeral will be held on Sunday, August 30th
at 2:00 pm atÂ
Brown-Wynne Funeral Home
1701 E Millbrook Road
In keeping with Jewish tradition and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marvin’s honor may be made to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina at http://foodbankcenc.org/give.
May his memory forever be a blessing.
