Robert "Bob" Schwarz

Bob was born on October 9, 1930 in Erie, Pennsylvania to Karl and Catharine Schwarz. He was the youngest and the last of his nine siblings dubbed by the family as the ‘Originals’. Bob is survived by his daughter Diana Williams of Los Angeles, California, son Wayne Schwarz and wife Shirley of The Woodlands, Texas, daughter Wanda Schwarz of Houston, and son David Schwarz and wife Julie of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren Shannon Williams, Ryan Williams, Andrew Schwarz, Tiffany Morgan, Adam Schwarz, Brad White, April White, Kevin Schwarz, and Eddie Schwarz, as well as 4 great-grandchildren Kyleigh, Katie, Westen, and Dylan Robert.

Bob graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1948 and joined the United States Army in 1949. He trained at Ft. Bragg, NC and served as a Private First Class in Korea and was honorable discharge in September 1952. Once out of the service, Bob went to Gannon College on the GI bill and graduated in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During his career, he worked at Dresser Industries, Ingersoll-Rand, and Crawford Enterprises.

Bob married the love of his life Patricia Dronfield on July 13th, 1957. They lived in Erie and Bradford, Pennsylvania where their four children were born, before moving to Houston, Texas in 1966. They lived in Houston for 24 years raising their children. Bob was a little league coach, an avid bowler with Pat, active in church teaching Sunday School, tried his hand at managing rent houses, and was loving husband and father. When a job opportunity arose out of Houston, Bob and Pat moved to Huber Heights, OH in 1990 – 1995 before they retired back to Houston to be with their children and grandchildren. Bob loved being a grandpa and was still the wise one that his children went to for help and advice. After Pat died in October 2022, Bob moved into an apartment at TarryTowne Estates where he didn’t have to cook or clean.

When asked to describe Bob in one word or phrase, people said ‘gentleman’, ‘family favorite’, ‘terrific role model’, ‘always happy’, ‘enjoyed life’, ‘joyful person’, ‘took life in stride’, ‘exuberant and loving’, ….

Bob loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved football and cheering on the high school teams that his son and grandson coached as well at the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers. He was all-in on the family fantasy football league. He enjoyed flying kites and sudoku puzzles. Bob would sit for hours at the beach or lake gazing at the water. He always tried to get his kids to buy a family lake house for him to enjoy. That was also why he loved cruises and went on at least five in the Caribbean. He chose his specific apartment at TarryTowne for the view of the pond and flowers. Bob’s favorite TV channel was the game show network and Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. Bob also loved playing poker and blackjack at family gatherings, at Vegas, and at Lake Charles. He even joined in the weekly poker games at TarryTowne.

The family will hold a graveside military service at Houston National Cemetery on 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr Houston, TX 77038 on Wednesday January 24th from 12:30 to 1:00pm. When you get to the National Cemetary, cars should follow the signs to be lined up in Lane 1 by 12:15 when they will lead us to the appropriate pavilion for the service.

After the service, Dave Schwarz is having an informal celebration of life for family and friends at his home. Come join us to share memories, laughter, and food.

In liu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Bob's name.