Eugene "Gene" R. Schweitzer

Born September 25, 1931, in Dover, New Jersey to Ellen (Koonz) and Benedict Schweitzer, Gene was the third of five children. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his brothers, Benedict (Father Joachim, OSB), and Ellis. He is survived by his brother, Hugh; his sister, Annette Stanley; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion and friend of many years, Mariele Rungaldier.

Eugene graduated from St. Mary’s School in Dover, NJ, and Seton Hall Preparatory School in South Orange. He then graduated from the Seton Hall School of Divinity and entered the seminary at Darlington Seminary in Ramsey, NJ. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic Diocesan priest. Eugene served parishes in Hoboken, North Sussex County, Paterson and Greystone Hospital in Morris Plains. His next career was working for many years at the US Post Office. Following retirement from the postal service, Gene held jobs at Kings and Costco, where he shared food samples with customers. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

In his younger days, Eugene had a magazine route delivering the Saturday Evening Post, using a shoulder bag, to deliver all over Dover. He was a lifelong stamp collector and owned many other treasure collections. Gene had a unique sense of humor and a masterful way with words. He enjoyed practical jokes; giving and receiving them. His hearty laugh will always be remembered.

One memorable adventure was when Eugene purchased a Volvo in New Jersey, but picked it up in Sweden at the Volvo factory. He took his father on this trip, and they toured several countries in Europe. They spent a good bit of time in the family’s hometown in Germany, and went to the parish where his grandparents originated. They were able to find family records and make connections with relatives.

More recently, Eugene took a trip of a lifetime; a cruise to the great state of Alaska with his brother, Hugh, and sister, Annette. They often shared fond memories of seeing glaciers and, most importantly, spending precious time together.

Special thanks to Mary and Barry Haines and their family, who welcomed Uncle Gene into their home, and were faithful caregivers for many years. The family would also like to thank the dedicated staff at Foothill Acres for the wonderful care they provided for Gene.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 am to 9:30 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 am at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 24 Halsted St, Newton, NJ. Interment will follow the mass in St. Joseph Cemetery in Newton.

Memorial donations may be offered in Eugene's memory to: St. Mary's Abbey, 230 Mendham Rd, Morristown, NJ 07960. Online condolences may be left below.