08/25/2026
Carl B. Schwab
October 25, 1940 – August 21, 2026
Carl B. Schwab, 85, of Hanover Township, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 21, 2026. Born in Wilkes-Barre on October 25, 1940, he was the son of the late Carl F. and Marie G. Schwab. Carl lived a full and generous life grounded in faith, family, hard work and service to others. He and his beloved wife, Dolores “Dee” Schwab, were married at St. Therese Church in Wilkes-Barre on July 14, 1962, and recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.
Carl proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 1958 to 1966 and was honorably discharged. His service included active duty at the U.S. Customs House in New York City and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. He also served on the inaugural parade committee in Washington, D.C., during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s inauguration. In 1959, Carl took part in a historic cruise to Bermuda aboard the USS Linnet, the first Coast Guard mission of its kind to be crewed entirely by reservists.
Carl began his newspaper career with the Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company in 1959. Over the years, he worked in advertising, the business office, editorial and circulation. During the 1978 newspaper strike, he became a founding member of The Citizens’ Voice and later served in management, on its first board of directors and as circulation manager. He was deeply committed to the people with whom he worked, serving for many years in leadership roles with the Newspaper Guild, the Wilkes-Barre Council of Newspaper Unions and the Wilkes-Barre Newspapers’ Federal Credit Union.
Service was simply part of who Carl was. He was a lector at St. Therese, Sacred Heart in Plains and Saints Peter and Paul, and he generously shared his time with many community organizations. An avid bowler, he served in leadership roles with several local leagues. He also coached and served on the board of St. Therese Little League and was a member and board secretary of the Meyers Quarterback Club. Whether through his church, his work, youth sports or the labor community, Carl believed in showing up, helping others and doing his part.
A diehard Yankees fan, Carl could recall any statistic regarding his team or player without hesitation. That statistical propensity carried over with his passion for betting on football. Known by many for his “Carl logic”, he used in depth research to make his successful wagers and was followed by many.
When Hurricane Agnes devastated our home, Carl & Dee bought another flood ravaged home, with a vision of providing a better quality of life for their family. During these difficult times, Carl, an incredible handyman, worked day and night to complete this arduous task by himself.
Above all, Carl was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is lovingly remembered by Dee; their children, Sandra and Michael West, Thomas and Susan Schwab, Michael Schwab, and Susan and Peter Canavan; seven grandchildren, Brittany Marie West, Tommy and Tabitha Schwab, Mikey Schwab, and Austin, Carson and Pearson Canavan; his brother, William Schwab; his sisters, Joan Dwyer, Jean Kolojejchick and Janet Kopec; his godson, Brian Dwyer; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends; and his beloved pets. He will be remembered for his generous heart, steady presence, deep faith and enduring love for his family.
In accordance with Carl’s wishes, services will be private. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the SPCA, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge or Sacred Heart Hospice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.
Online condolences can be made by visiting Carl’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com
