Thomas Blair Schweitzer- AKA Tommy, 73, of Tampa, Florida (originally of Rahway and Toms River, New Jersey) went to be with his Lord on Saturday evening, October 10, 2020. Tommy was born the son of Thomas and Norma Schweitzer on October 9th, 1947, in Rahway, New Jersey. Raised in a hardworking family, Tommy was an athletic, kind, young man. He served as an altar boy and was known in high school and in baseball as the “star catcher”, recruited by professional baseball teams while displaying a friendly and enduring smile. At the age of sixteen, Tommy met Carolyn Ruth Bogar. Tommy and Carolyn became fast friends and fell in love for over 55 years, celebrating 50 years of marriage in Italy last fall. Tommy and Carolyn display a true love and partnership which Carolyn will always treasure.
In 1966, Tommy graduated from Rahway High School in New Jersey and attended Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi, West Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Navy serving and achieving rank of Second Class Petty Officer, from 1968 through 1971. Tommy was a bright “jack of all trades” working in a variety of construction and industry experiences. His skill set allowed him to have a successful career for Merck Pharmaceutical Company, Rahway, New Jersey, retiring in the education department as a Safety Management Consultant. He was also a teacher for Toms River Vocational School and mentor to many.
Tommy was known for his kind and compassionate spirit with a love of nature. He held a desire to help others, especially the disaffected and needy children of the neighborhood. He was a creative soul who was also a self-taught musician and guitarist known for his vocals. He served with the church band at times and loved performing solo with this guitar for the service singing contemporary Christian music.
More significantly, Tommy loved and enjoyed his family and friends. On July 5th, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Ruth Bogar of Rahway, New Jersey. Tommy and Carolyn started a family, having a beautiful daughter, Kelli Ann Schweitzer of Jacksonville Beach, Florida and dedicated son Todd James Schweitzer of Tampa, Florida. He and Carolyn raised their beloved children and enjoyed life in Toms River, New Jersey. In 2000, Todd James Schweitzer married devoted daughter-in-law Carol Elmore and brought two amazing grandchildren to “Schweitzer Scene”. Tommy Jacob and Taylor Ann inspired Tommy to be the fun and active “Pop-pop” who enjoyed sharing experiences at the beach, fishing, golf, gardening, cooking and eating great food. Tommy and Taylor brought pure love and joy which both Pop-pop and Carolyn, “Nana” treasured. Both Tommy and Carolyn have so many life-long friends from New Jersey that have been so important to them over the years. The laughter and stories have added such happiness to their lives.
Tommy is also survived by his brother Kevin Schweitzer of Albany, New York and his brother-in-law, Joseph Bogar and sisters-in-law Mary Ann Bogar and Eleanor Bogar, who have been like siblings to him as well. They have all remained very close over the years.
While living in Tampa, Tommy spent time with his Carolyn and family traveling, playing golf, and volunteering for the local homeless and food insecure population of Tampa. Tommy happily volunteered along side Pastor Justin LaRosa at the Portico Hyde Park United Methodist Church of Tampa.
A memorial service will be scheduled in the Spring 2021 to celebrate the life of Thomas Blair Schweitzer, a loved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
In lieu of flowers, any donations may be sent to one of his favorite charities, Hyde Park Methodist Church - The Portico Cafe in Tampa, Florida.
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