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Erwin Schweigardt Obituary
View the online memorial for Father Erwin H. Schweigardt
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Memories and Condolences
for Erwin Schweigardt
Sponsored by Gleason Funeral Home, Inc. - Schenectady.
Bill DeCianni
September 6, 2024
I first met Doctor Schweigardt when I worked at Grand Union in Latham. He was an aware individual and had an astute sense about him. Eventually my future wife and I started to go to church where Doctor Schweigardt pastored and it was worthy of the change because he was a great orator and wrote engaging and insightful sermons which challenged the mind, body and spirit. During marriage classes I got to know father a lot better with some in-depth discussions from spiritual, to science and daily life. When Father asked me to help with the Confirmation class under the guidance of sister Martha for my marriage service commitment, I was given a lot of longitude and latitude for the time which was over 30 years ago. How many priests would have allowed a cross cultural thread of the movie "Circle of Iron" written by Bruce Lee about a mans journey towards enlightenment. Father was an appropriate term for Doctor Schweigardt because he cared about his community at large as a father cares for his family. On one final note, father would always say "Don´t hide your light under a bushel basket.". It´s harvest time, maybe those bushels should be used for produce. Thank you Father Schweigardt for all that you brought to the table.
Deacon Frank Garceau
July 11, 2024
Think of you all the time, and quote you whenever I baptize a person.
Catherine Gilewicz
August 28, 2023
Thank you for your guidance and support when I moved to Schenectady as a newlywed in 1974. My then husband was a Union College student who thought very highly of you and spoke so often of you when I was still in Erie that I could not wait to meet you. I think often of those early years. Rest in peace, Father
Patricia (Phibbs) Robelotto
July 11, 2023
Erwin was one of the best people in my past life...God Bless Him...Pat Robelotto
Deacon Frank Garceau
July 11, 2022
Miss seeing you embrace, and fully live our faith. You have been, and remain inspirational to me in my faith journey.
Patricia (Phibbs) Serson, Robelotto
July 12, 2021
such a good classmate, going back to grade school....
Deacon Frank Garceau
July 11, 2021
Think of you each day, miss you, your wisdom, and compassion. So blessed to have journeyed with you during our time here on earth.
Thomas Driscoll
July 12, 2019
A Truly Great Priest and Friend!
Mary Ann Malkiewicz
July 11, 2019
We still miss you and your wit. Mass is not the same without your great homilies
Janet Josselyn
July 27, 2018
I just met Father Schweigardt in the past year. He was assisting my son, a Union College student, in the confirmation process. Although I am not a religious person, he and I shared a love of art and one time when I was picking up my son before vacation, Fr. Schweigardt proudly showed us his favorite pieces of art in his home before we went to his favorite Italian restaurant in Schenectady. Months later, he performed my son's confirmation ceremony in the Old Chapel on the Union College campus. It was lovely, personal, and although I believe it was difficult for him physically, I know he was proud to have sheparded another soul into the church. He was just a great person and I'm glad to have intersected with him in this life.
Mike Powers
July 26, 2018
This man was a true friend since 1968 when he was a newly ordained priest serving at OLV. He led my brother in law's conversion to Catholicism, married me and he buried my father and that same brother in law. I had left a voicemail for him 7/13 and he returned it 7/14 but we never connected. When his phones were both full and not taking messages I thought he might be back in the hospital but I wasn't ready for this.
Erwin, thanks for always being my friend.
Bridget
July 24, 2018
Rest in Peace Father,I cannot begin to even know how to thank you for all you did for our family. I am so Thankful for my days at St. Patrick's Rectory! My sincerest condolences to family and friends.
July 24, 2018
My deepest condolences to all of the friends and family of Father Schweigardt. May he rest in peace.
Eleanor Ollier
Community Hospice Board Member
Betty "Kurtzner" Fryer
July 22, 2018
My condolences to Rolf and family. Erwin lived across the street from me when I was growing up. He was frequently at our house, just to visit or to share his European trips. I remember him being a Scout Master when my brother was in boy scouts. After I got married, kinda lost touch. But when my Mother passed in 2008, he came and delivered a very caring funeral service, including remembering good times from when my brother and I were little. It was very personalized.
I am sad to hear this news but he is now at peace.
Pamela Bullock Assisi in Albany
July 22, 2018
Rest in Peace
Daniel O'Callaghan
July 22, 2018
My wife Therese & I have many fond memories of Father Schweigardt when we were parishioners at our sorely missed beoved Saint Patrick's in Watervliet. He officiated at our wedding & the Baptism & First Holy Communion & was a welcome guest in our home. I got to know him well as a lector at Mass & as a volunteer at the Thanksgiving food drives . He was both the heart & soul of his parish; a firm but loving shepherd for his flock. We were heartbroken when he was transferred & the parish never really recovered. A great priest & man who more than earned his place in heaven.
Michael Gilfeather
July 20, 2018
Erwin was a friend from the day I was introduced to him by Union College buddy, Ed Kulik. We remained in contact ever since. I will miss him.
Mike Gilfeather
Stephen Suhowatsky
July 20, 2018
I remember Erwin as the top student in our class at CBA and his awesome activities at St. Patrick's Church! He should have been chosen as the Pope!
Walter Josiah
July 20, 2018
Requiescat in pace...
Gail Waring RSM
July 19, 2018
My fondest memories of Father Schweigardt were in the 1980's when he worked tirelessly to bring The Community Hospice to Rensselaer County. He gathered leaders and interested families to support the addition of a second county to the St. Peter's Hospice of Albany. Later, we were on the board of The Community Hospice and his pride and love for the services were tangible each time we met. In addition to his parish leadership, I think it fitting to remember his great contribution to hospice care in the Capital Region. I know you see the fullness of our loving God, Irwin!
July 19, 2018
For many months Fr. Schweigardt substituted as Priest on the Sunday Mass in our Church and it was memorable how well he was prepared for a well delivered, seriously fitting, remarkable sermon for the day. R.I.P. in the kingdom of God.
Short time we were given the blessing of your present in our Sunday celebration and we will remember your imposing spirit and teachings.
July 19, 2018
Happy thoughts from your classmate, Chuck Roland
July 19, 2018
My condolences to the family of Father Schweigardt. Father Scweigardt visited and prayed for my father while he was in hospice battle cancer. And again with my mother's service. I am greatful to have known him as my pastor. He was a great man and a inspiring person. His awesome voice will be missed as he sings Silent Night in German. God Bless Father Schweigardt.
- Jocelyn
Craig Allen
July 19, 2018
You will be truly missed by all of us at the store. I loved talking wine and Siena with you and appreciate all that you did in my life. You helped me with some very tough times and will never forget everything that you did to help get me through them. I am truly saddened to not be able to see and talk with you again. You will always be remembered by all of us! Thank you for everything kind Father!
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
July 19, 2018
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
July 19, 2018
Memories of Father Irwin go way back to pre-teen days, attending West Albany School. He was so smart and always willing to help us with our homework....
Patricia (Phibbs) Robelotto
Franciscan Hgts Senior Community
July 19, 2018
Erwin was a friend through our association with Manhattan College. He will be missed. Godspeed my friend Joe Dillon
Jim Bachman
July 19, 2018
Our condolences to the Sweigardt family.
John O'Connor
July 19, 2018
I want to express my condolences to the Schweigardt family. I always enjoyed seeing Erwin when our paths would cross in the Albany area. I attended CBA and Manhattan with Erwin.
July 19, 2018
Lyle and I were so blessed to,have Erwin in our lives especially because he married us and took such great interest and love for,our boys. Yes! He was a great fellow Jasper!
Deacon Frank Garceau
July 19, 2018
May God keep you in his comforting embrace for all eternity. Thank you for fanning the flames of my faith, i look forward to seeing you again in paradise.
John Cardazzi
July 19, 2018
I remember Father Schweigardt as a teacher in St John's Academy, Rensselaer as a new young priest interested in the student's welfare.
My sympathy to Father's family.
Rest in Eternal Peace Father Schweigardt.
Sincerely,
Joerg Ruemmelin
July 19, 2018
My second father in real life. I miss you!
Bill, Karen & Mary Suttie
July 19, 2018
'Where are we in God's eyes'- I will always remember those cherished words of Father Erwin - a truly awesome Priest and Shepherd-May Father's Soul now be forever wrapped in Christ's Eternal embrace-Until we meet again My Friend - God Bless
John Kennedy
July 19, 2018
Erwin was one of a kind. I met him as a freshman at Union in 1974 and we've kept in touch. He gave me a book "Prayer for beginners and those who have forgotten how" with an inscription, which I treasure. See you again, my friend.
jeanne Boylan Lucas
July 18, 2018
Erwin escorted me to the CBA Military Ball in 1957 when he was Cadet Colonel, invited me to his ordination as a priest, and performed my wedding ceremony. We were friends for life, and even shared a birthday. I never met a better, more godly man.
May he rest in peace.
July 18, 2018
Rest in peace Father. May perpetual light shine upon you.
Mike McNulty
July 18, 2018
To all of Father's Family: Father Erwin dedicated his life to helping others. I am especially grateful to him for his early and strong support for the expansion of Hospice services in the Capital Region. I am very sorry for your loss.
Timothy Hulbert
July 18, 2018
Erwin was a true gentle caring soul and priest. We met as fellow Manhattan Jaspers and CBA Brothers. He helped me through some difficult times in my life and I will remember Erwin with my love and respect. God bless you Father Scheigardt. Go Jasper -- straight in to God's embrace!
July 18, 2018
rest in peace father
Parisi
July 18, 2018
Rest in the arms of jesus
Mango
July 18, 2018
Not just a Preist also a friend. You will be missed.
Tappy Tamanini
July 18, 2018
Erwin has been a great friend since freshman year at Manhattan College. He was there to tell my that my wife Mary Beth was killed in an automobile and visited me daily in the hospital to comfort me. He called me daily to help me through my cancer surgery and recovery. Erwin was always there when you needed him and also sometimes when you didn't.
Heaven better be prepared to be organized and run as efficiently as only Erwin could do. God now has a great second in command to help him.
We will miss you Erwin, Rest in peace and I know you will still be looking out for all of us
Mary D. Hayes
July 18, 2018
I will be forever grateful to Father Schweigardt for his compassion for the sick and disabled people in the parish. When my husband was ill and in the hospital many times Fr. Schweigardt visited him, prayed with him and blessed him with the Sacrament of the Sick many times. Thank you, Father !!!!
My prayers and condolences to Father's family.
Mary Ann Malkiewicz
July 18, 2018
Rest in Peace Father, you will be missed .
Sharon Battibulli..(Bennett)
July 18, 2018
RIP Father Schweigardt. Thank you for being there moments after my Mom passed, and praying over her. You even remembered me from High School.
Jennie mcCadden
July 18, 2018
Rest in Peace dear Father Schweigardt.
July 18, 2018
On behalf of the Board of Assisi in Albany our condolences to Father Schweigardt's family. May you rest in the peace of Christ old friend.
Peter Maloy
Bradley Carpenter
July 18, 2018
Best wishes to the family of Father Schweigardt he was a true friend to a at the time young man in Watervliet, NY at St. Patricks Church. He will be missed tremendously. Love and prayer from Bradley Carpenter and the rest of the Carpenter family!
Barbara Dworkin
July 18, 2018
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Safe Inc. of Schenectady, I wish to offer my sincerest condolences to the family of our very devoted Board member. Father Erwin was a blessing to us all and he will be missed greatly.
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Gleason Funeral Home, Inc. - Schenectady730 Union St, Schenectady, NY 12305
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