Our friend, teammate, and longtime Swim Across America swimmer (including 10k finisher) John Needham lost his battle with cancer on June 1st 2023 just shy of his 70th birthday.

Born in Syracuse, New York, John was an All-America swimmer at Hamilton College in upstate NY. After attending Boston University Law School he found his true calling and joined the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan and, ultimately, in the Bronx, working tirelessly to defend the underprivileged and marginalized.  John wasn’t just a great attorney and advocate for his clients, he was considered by many “a great resource for litigation questions involving strategy and tactics.” 

John was loved by many in the broader Westchester swimming community, most notably by his teammates and friends on the Westchester Masters swim team and the early morning swim group at the Scarsdale Pool. He participated in Swim Across America yearly to raise money for cancer research. His friends from the pool will miss his laid-back nature, incredible and subtle sense of humor and supreme care for everyone in his swimming community.

He will always be remembered as a beloved husband to Leanne and devoted father to his two children, Daniel and Caitlin, of whom he was always so proud and called his greatest joy, and his sister, Sarah Needham.  His teammates and swimming family at Westchester Masters Swim Association and the Scarsdale Town Pool will keep his memory alive each time we dive into the water.  

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has hosted charity swims with one goal: to raise money for innovative cancer research that would lead to breakthrough treatments and therapies. Since then, Swim Across America has raised over $100M to fund the next generation of pioneers in oncology and cancer-support care.

No one fights cancer alone. Our team joined Swim Across America because we believe in their mission and want to help give more families hope. If you’re able, please support us by making a donation to help us reach our fundraising goal.

Thank you for helping us #MakeWavesToFightCancer.

You can make a credit card donation by clicking on one of the members of our team below, or send a check to:

• Swim Across America, PO Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538
• Checks should be made out to Swim Across America but please include a note mentioning our team or the swimmer you are supporting!