Leon J. Schwab Sr.

On Friday, April 17, 2020 at the age of 78, Leon J. Schwab, Sr. passed away peacefully at Saint Mary's Medical Center in Langhorne.

Son of the late Regina (Klein) and Clarence Schwab; he was born and raised at 275 South Washington Street, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Leon was a longtime resident of Levittown and was a parishioner of Queen of the Universe Catholic Parish.

He was a 1958 graduate of James M. Coughlin High School and then enlisted in The United States Navy through the local Naval Reserve Battalion18 in 1959. He served as a Storekeeper Third Class aboard the USS Aircraft Carrier Independence and was able to serve during peacetime with two of his brothers. Leon continued his service to the United States until he was honorably discharged on November 30, 1964.

Leon married Rita (Brown) Schwab on August 3,1964 and was blessed with 56 years of marriage. He was a member of the Men of Malvern and enjoyed retreats with his brothers and father at the Catholic Malvern Retreat House. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Local Counsel #4215 Levittown for many years.

Leon followed in his father's footsteps and began his career in the beer business with Burt Barshay Beverage in 1964. He enjoyed his years in the beer business and became known as the "Beer Baron". He was respected and admired by all for his tireless dedication and commitment to the business. He retired from Gretz Beer Company in 2003 after 39 years in the industry.

He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed family vacations at the beach in Sea Isle City. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, rooting for his Philadelphia teams, playing cards and drinking Bud Light!

Leon was the loving father of Gail Brewi from Lambertville, N.J.; Jeanene Hecht from Yardley; Leon Schwab Jr. (Jennifer) from Pleasant Grove U.T.; Gregory Schwab from Yardley; Mark Schwab (Amy) from Levittown; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

He is the brother of, Paul Schwab (Ruth), Dayton, O.H.; Karl Schwab (Joan), Mechanichsburg;; Tony Schwab (Peggy), Warwick; and Joseph Schwab (Ellie), Penn Lake. and the late Jean Schappert and John Schwab (Barbara).

In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded by sisters, Anne Lehmen, Ruth Bohan, and Mary Considine.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm and on Friday, from 10:00 until 11:00 am at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Road, Levittown.  His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, at 11:30 am at Queen of the Universe Church, followed by the Rite of Committal in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leon J. Schwab, Sr. name to The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Associationion, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106