JACOB SCHWEBEL

SCHWEBEL--Jacob. Jacob (Jack) Pfeffer Schwebel, age 97, died peacefully at home on July 23, 2022. Jack was a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. There, he served as the editor of The Daily Pennsylvanian, and interrupted his schooling to honorably serve in the U.S. Army during WWII. Jack created and hosted a weekly radio program, "For Servicemen Only." A highlight of his service, Jack interviewed First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and met Albert Einstein on the same day. In 1955, Jack married Renata Manasse, his wife of almost 63 years. Jack's career was in the industrial fiberglass manufacturing business. His first company was sold to J.P. Stevens, and in 1960, he co-founded Clark-Schwebel Fiber Glass Corporation. In 1964, Jack took over as president. He grew the business into the largest woven fiberglass manufacturing company in the world, with factories in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He remained with the company until 2001, as chairman in the later years. In addition to Clark- Schwebel, Jack started Schwebel Plastic Film Company in 1953, an international distributor of polyvinyl alcohol film, which continues to this day. Jack served on the board of trustees of WNYC, loved playing golf, and traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. Jack is survived by his brother, Judge Stephen M. Schwebel (Louise); daughters Judi Lerman (Andy), Barbara Davis (Tim), and Diane Freedman (Perry); grandchildren David and Adam (Jill) Lerman, Alex and Sara Davis, Sam, Rebecca, and Jonathan Freedman; great-grandchildren Milo and Mabel Lerman; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by parents Pauline Pfeffer Schwebel and Victor Schwebel; wife Renata Manasse Schwebel; and granddaughter Anna Freedman. His family thanks Marie (Norma) Serrette and Zurab (Bob) Kuprava for their years-long devoted care of Jack. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Planned Parenthood. Graveside service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on July 26, 2022.