William "Skip" Schwab

It is with profound sadness that the family of William "Skip" Schwab announces his passing on January 25, 2025, of sudden cardiac arrest.

Skip was born in Piqua Ohio on June 7, 1953, to the late John and Barbara

Schwab. He graduated from Bowling Green State University and went on to obtain a graduate degree in Business and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.

Skip's first love was his family, from the determined way he courted his wife, Sue, of 36 years, by sending a multitude of quirky postcards and flowers after they began dating. The men in his office joked that he was making them look bad by comparison. There were no words or feelings from Day One that they could not express to each other, good or bad. Whatever life tossed them, they found a way to work through it together. For years, until their children were born, he planned a surprise trip to celebrate their anniversary.

Skip and Sue's children, Drew and Emily, were everything to him, especially once they were big enough that he could hold them without fear of "breaking them." It

was rare if ever that he missed a game, recital, or anything the kids were involved in.

His love for his family was felt and was larger than life. That love grew larger with the arrival of his grandsons, Kaden and Kooper Schwab. He was their rock, their steady voice in the chaos of raising children and grandchildren and he will be missed every day.

Throughout his career, Skip left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh. At the time of his passing, he was the deputy director of the East Liberty Development Inc, where he had been employed for 18 years. Other impactful work included time with the URA, the Local Initiative Support Corporation, Mon Valley Initiative and more. Evidence of Skip's vision and dedication surround Pittsburgh, from the transformation of East Liberty, blighted homes being restored to life, to safeguarding affordable housing in developments like Cornerstone, Fairfield

Apartments and Dad's House. Skip also lent his expertise behind the scenes to

countless nonprofit boards including Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, Rising Tide Partners and Main and Elm. His wisdom and mentorship will ensure that his legacy will live on in those he inspired.

 Though his professional accomplishments were many, those who worked closely with him will remember his office antics - hiding silly notes or photos on the desks of his co-workers, his Zoom call wave, or the classic telling Maelene, his boss, "My you look wonderful today!" which was usually followed by bad news.

Skip was a passionate sports fan, particularly college basketball. He was also passionate about theatre and music, and was a supporter of WED.

Skip's greatest love, however, was his family. He is survived by his wife, Sue, his children, Andrew and Emily, and his beloved grandsons.

Skip is also survived by his brother, John Schwab (Nita), a niece and nephew and other extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. fI you are inclined to honor his memory, please consider a donation to the East Liberty Development, Inc.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Skip" Schwab, please visit our floral store.