Obituary of Peter J. Schwab

Peter John Schwab, age 73, of New Springville passed away on Friday, July 16th. Peter was born to Catherine Haag Schwab and Henry J Schwab, Jr in Brooklyn, NY, the first of five siblings, sisters Barbara and Cathy, and brothers Henry J Schwab the 3rd, and Michael. As a child, Peter's family moved from Brooklyn to Long Island as a child, and after graduating from Patchogue HS in 1966, he worked in an appliance repair store, getting a feel for television repair which was the start of what would become a life-long career in telecommunications. He was drafted into the Army in summer of 1968 and attended US Signal School, was given top secret clearance and stationed in Okinawa for 18 months. Upon his arrival home he began a career with what became Suffolk Cable and met the love of his life, Diane Hudson. They were married a few short months later in December of 1970. Over the next 5 years, Peter & Diane had three children, Kelley, Lynne & Greg and as the CATV industry evolved, he moved to the other side of NY state to Williamsville, NY, a suburb of Buffalo to continue his career in cable. Peter's love for playing sports continued throughout the 70s and 80s while in Buffalo. The company participated in the local media leagues, and Peter played hockey tending goal and first base for the softball team in the warmer months. By the mid 80s it was time for a new cable venture and Peter relocated his family to Staten Island in Summer of 1986. Peter's love of sports were only matched by his love of music, especially Pop, Rock & R&B from the 60s, 70s and 80s and this was something he made sure his whole family also appreciated. Peter continued working until he had to leave the local cable company in 2005 but was fortunate enough to remain in metro area and get a job that centered around the telecom industry by working for city of NY as Franchise Director of DoITT, a role he kept through retirement in 2018 at age 70. A very important part of the 21st century for Peter was the birth of his two grandchildren, Ethan and Alexandra. He loved his granddaughter Alex, now entering high school who's love for art he encouraged just as he had for his own children to pursue their dreams, but it was Ethan who drove him to be the very best “Pop Pop” he could possibly be. He often said Ethan was his best friend and was so proud of every accomplishment Ethan made triumphing beyond his special needs. Peter enjoyed watching all sports events with Ethan as often as possible, especially over the last year after losing his beloved Diane to Covid-19 after almost 50 years of marriage. Peter is survived by his 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 2 brothers, Henry & Michael; sister, Cathy, a daughter in-law, Denise; a sister-in-law, Mary; a brother-in-law, Jack; God-children, nieces & nephews and he will be missed by a great many close friends, extended family and professional colleagues he gained during his lifetime. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 2508 Victory Blvd. Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, 7/24/2021, at 6:00 PM. A private cremation will follow. Family and friends may visit on Friday, 7/23/2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Saturday, 7/24/2021, from 2:00 to 7:00 PM. Please join us celebrating Peter's life.