John E. Schwab

/in /by

John Edward Schwab, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and support of his family on November 4th, 2020 at Hope Health Hospice/Philip Hulitar Hospice Center. He was born in Providence, the son of the late Christopher Franz and Beatrice Josephine (Payette) Schwab. He was loved by many, especially his late wife of 60 years Ruth (Souza) Schwab, children Paul, Tammy, Chris and Kristin, grandsons Aidan and Brett, daughters-in-law Jen and Therese, son-in-law Wayne, sister-in-law Marge Canisius and his late brother Paul, as well as lifelong friends Helen Lewis and Joan Martin. He also had a large extended family on the Souza side that he loved dearly.

Jack lived and worked for his wife, children, and friends. After graduating from East Providence High School, he served 5 years in the US Marines and then managed the families nursing homes and worked for some years at PepsiCo. He was proud of his children and believed in their abilities, always encouraging them to have confidence in themselves and follow their dreams. He treasured his two grandsons, Aidan and Brett and enjoyed attending their sporting events and was exceedingly proud of all their accomplishments. An animal lover at heart, he especially loved his black lab Sampson, his faithful companion of many years.

Jack was an empathetic man who was known as a good listener. Having persevered through many of his own ailments and life challenges, he held judgement of others, and was often a source of comfort to those seeking a shoulder to lean on.  He was generous with what he had, including his time, and always did what he could to help those in need.

In his younger years, He was known to play a mean game of badminton and ride his bike all over town with baby Kristin in tow. Notably, he was the patriarch of the Schwab family paper route dynasty. Every Sunday, at the crack of dawn and in all weather, he drove his children and their friends around Barrington in the family station wagon, and later, his little red truck delivering over 300 newspapers so they could have pocket money and learn some important life lessons along the way. In his later years, he enjoyed living in St. Petersburg, Florida where he left many friends and a piece of his heart.

He is now at peace with his wife Ruth, his closest friends George, Donny, Iggy, Sampson and many others he had loved and lost.

We will celebrate Jack’s life privately with family. Donations can be made in his memory to the vital and caring organizations that provided Jack and his family with compassion and support:

  • Southcoast VNA Hospice

200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02791

https://www.southcoast.org/visiting-nurse-association/donate-southcoast-vna/

 

 

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6 entries.
Susan Taylor from Bristol wrote on December 5, 2020 at 2:56 pm:
Your Mom and Dad's genuine love for each other and others set a standard and an example for all of us. May they rest in peace once again with each other.
Janet Tashjian from Los Angeles wrote on November 30, 2020 at 2:20 pm:
Uncle Jack had the sweetest soul; I can't remember once seeing him cross or angry with anyone. His smile lit up a room and he was a terrific listener. I always looked forward to seeing him and Aunt Ruthie - they were and still are, one of the happiest couples I know, who raised a wonderful, closeknit family. Sending thoughts and prayers to my cousins during this difficult time.
Karen Martin from Hendersonville, TN wrote on November 28, 2020 at 1:08 pm:
I was so blessed to have Jack and Ruth as my other parents. They were a package deal with my parents, George and Joan. I carry countless memories in my heart. They were generous, loving, and so kind to my us three Martin kids. To Paul, Tammy, Chris and a Kristin, thank you for sharing your parents with us. We love you all and share in your heartbreak.
Steven Gianlorenzo from East Providence wrote on November 28, 2020 at 11:26 am:
To Paul & The Schwab Family So sorry for your loss May he rest in peace and God Bless
Catherine Wild from Rehoboth wrote on November 27, 2020 at 9:13 pm:
Paul, Tammy, Chris, Kristin, Your Dad was a sweet, caring and loving man. His love for your Mom, his children and grandchildren was amazing and unconditional! We hope it comforts you to know that your grief is shared by all of us who knew your Dad. He will be missed. We are truly sorry for your loss. Cathi and David
Kim Canisius Hemsing from Sheboygan wrote on November 27, 2020 at 7:19 pm:
Uncle Jack, you hold a special place in my heart, always have, always will. I have SO many memories of our visits to Rhode Island and our ‘stays’ with the Schwab family. Very very special times for me. Love you, Uncle Jack