Philip Schwalje

He was surrounded by his wife, Kathleen Reiss-Schwalje and his loving family. Phil, a true “Renaissance Man" was bright, gregarious, ambitious, kind, fun-loving and dedicated to improving life for everyone around him.

Philip was born in New Arad, Romania, the second son of Joseph P. Schwalje and Magdalena Hans Schwalje. The Schwalje Family helped establish a major mechanical engineering company in NJ when they left their businesses and farming interests in Europe.

Philip was a longtime resident of Metuchen and Bedminster, NJ, and a “snowbird” in Hobe Sound, FL.

He graduated from Metuchen High School, New Jersey Institute of Technology and attended graduate studies at Purdue University. In addition to his expertise in the field of bio-manufacturing facilities with Torcon, Inc., Phil taught at Middlesex Community College and in many UA Local 9 sponsored educational programs.

Phil was a man of many talents and interests. As a boy, he sang tenor in the Vienna Boys Choir in Austria and served as a altar boy at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Metuchen. As an adult, he became an accomplished skier, bowler and sailor and even trained horses for the Rodeo Houston.

The true joy of his life was cruising through life with the “love of his life” Kathie. Together they traveled the world, volunteered in numerous organizations and mentored many young people, sharing their time, talents and treasures with all. Phil loved to host family parties and holiday celebrations with his family and friends.

Philip is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Magdalena Schwalje, his brothers, Joseph Schwalje and Helmut Schwalje and his brother-in-law Peter Kurzhals.

He leaves his loving wife, Kathie, brother Frank and sister-in-law Peggy Schwalje, sister Madalene Kurzhals, sisters-in-law Nancy Schwalje and Doris Schwalje; his in-laws, Paul and Dee Reiss, Patricia Therese, Tom and Maureen Reiss, Maureen and Tom Gallasch, Beth and Jim Barbagallo as well as his amazing, treasured nieces and nephews Colleen, Luke, Peter, Cyril, Paul, Francis, Matthew, Samantha, Cheyenne, Aubrey, Caitlin, Tim, Clara, Erryn, Danny, Ellye, Daniel, Emelia, Ryan, Greg, Beca, Gio, Anthony, Allie, Matt, Annie, David, Jess, Logan and Landon who loved their Uncle Phil very much.

Services will be held at a later date in New Jersey. Arrangements are being handled by Dignity Memorial/Aycock Funeral Home in Hobe Sound, FL.

“Auf wiedersehen”

“Til We Meet Again”