Brenda, Carol and family,
It is with deep sadness that I offer condolences on the passing of your father, your uncle and my friend Robert A. "Bob" Schwager.  I first met Bob in 1987 when he volunteered to help with archaeological excavations on the Pee Dee River.  Little did I know that he was a rocket scientist, an electrical engineer, a classmate of Neil Armstrong's at Purdue, an important figure in the NASA Apollo missions, a US Navy veteran, an advisor in nuclear power facilities for CP&L. Bob had a hunger for knowledge and followed a childhood passion to explore archaeology. He volunteered at the NC Office of State Archaeology for 25 years, and was CEO of The Coe Foundation for Archaeological Research (CFAR), a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting public education and research in archaeology (www.coe-foundation.org).  

Bob parlayed his interests into presenting lectures about archaeology and the NASA Apollo missions to school children throughout the Raleigh-Cary area. He designed electrolysis and drying racks for use at the state archaeological research center, then donated the equipment and supplies.  He was a remarkable man who was intelligent, generous and loyal.  He shared his knowledge freely with all, but did not call attention to the many achievements he had personally.  If it is true that each time a soul passes a new star is placed in the heavens, today there is one more star that burns more brightly than others.  That star is no doubt Bob Schwager's and the energy that extends outward warms us all. Farewell, Bob. You will be missed and remembered fondly by those whose lives you influenced.

Billy L. Oliver, PhD., Retired Director, NC  Office of State Archaeology Research Center

I am very saddened to learn of my Uncle Bob's passing.I can't remember a time when he wasn't in my life. I have fond memories of him as a child when I visited him with my family. He in turn visited us in New York so many times too numerous to count. He and his daughter Carol were present for so many holidays and family functions. As I grew older he continued to take interest in whatever I was involved in. After I married and moved to Texas, he maintained a relationship with me, my husband and my two children. In fact, he promised to be there for my girls after my own father's passing nearly twelve years ago. I am so sorry that we cannot be present in North Carolina right now. Just be assured that we are all thinking about our own Uncle Bob and will keep those wonderful memories close to our hearts.
Sincerely,
Valerie & Chester Sikorski, Emilia & Juliet Sikorski

Brenda and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
Anne Dalton
Clanton, AL

Bob was a co-worker of mine at GE-Huntsville in the 1960's.  I was sorry to hear of his passing and even more sorry that he lived right here in the Triangle and I didn't know it!  He was a talented engineer and a great guy.  My condolences to the family.  Dale Rowe

Cousin Bob.  As we go through life, we begin to see ourselves in light of our family.  You are one of few family members that I ever knew.  As a navy junior, I saw many places but I never had the time with family that I would have liked.  As an adult, we reconnected and you filled some gaps for me in my genealogy.  More importantly, you filled my need for family.  You and Lynette are some of the last family I have.  I will miss your intelligent dignified contributions to discussions we had.  Although we were never close, rest assured, I thought of you often.  Bon Voyage and rest in peace.

I am honored to have known Bob through his volunteer work at the Office of State Archaeology Research Center.  On the  40th anniversary of the Apollo missions, Bob brought all sorts of wonderful NASA goodies into the archaeology lab and told a group of volunteers about his experiences with the space program - we were mesmerized.  I will miss his warm smile, his sense of humor, and his wonderful stories.    Mandy Bullman

My Uncle Robert was a wonderful man to all who knew him and to all he helped.  We will miss him and his warm quiet voice.  He is now in the company of his all his family and friends who passed before.  Give them our love Uncle Robert.  My love and prayers to your family.

Charlotte McDonald Hill
Liberal, KS

We remember Bob as a very kind and generous man.  He was a good listener and had a helpful spirit.  Our best wishes.
Ann & Irv Pearce
PS We knew him during the time he was a member at Highland UMC.

Bob was a friend and co-worker for about 20 years.  My condolence to the family. He was a fine gentleman.
 I will miss him

Hubert P. Hines

OBITUARY

Robert Arnold Schwager

23 March, 1929 – 16 September, 2011

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

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