Joseph Schwan Obituary

Joseph Schwan

Scottsdale - Joseph P. Schwan, 96, veteran of WWII passed away peacefully in his Arcadia home on March 6, 2020. He was the son of Joseph Anton Schwan and Magdalene Martha Richter, born in Strasburg, Russia where he was one of 9 siblings. Upon migrating and gaining citizenship the Schwan family called Aberdeen, South Dakota home.

Before joining for the army, he fell in love and was married June 29, 1942 to his late wife, Catherine Concetta Colonna. He volunteered for the army at age 18 and was accepted in October of 1942 upon receiving his citizenship papers. In the spring of 1943 he was given the opportunity to earn his commission as an officer through the Army specialized training program where he received an education from Boston University.

In the Spring of 1944, he was sent to Ft. Benning where he earned his Paratrooper wings. In the spring of 1945, he joined the 82nd airborne division, 505th parachute infantry regiment. With only 1 armored brigade from the 7th armored division, the German 21st army surrendered to his division, a 1st in the history of the US army where an entire army surrendered to a single

US division. His last assignment before returning home was served as a German speaking interpreter where he was involved in liberating a local concentration camp.

After serving in WWII, he formed his own construction business in July, 1948, in Chicago, IL. For over half a century Joseph devoted his life to the construction industry. Before coming to Arizona, his footprint was left in Chicago.

In 1960 Arizona became the home of the Schwan family and Double AA Constructors Inc. began building various projects, commercial and industrial. As a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division, which is known as the "All Americans", the "AA" in the business name was his way of honoring his military service. He built many landmarks around the valley that still stand today. He was committed to absolute client satisfaction and was known for his dependability, quality & integrity. To this day, Double AA Builders, Ltd. second generation legacy lives on.

He had a love for fast cars, travel, western art, hunting & fishing at the family ranch, his cowboy hat, and was exceptionally proud of his service this country. In 2017, the 82nd Airborne Phoenix chapter named their chapter after Joseph which was an incredible honor. It became the first chapter to ever be named after an individual.

He will be dearly missed. May Joseph's soul rest in peace.

AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY…as he would say!

Joseph is survived by; his sister Angeline Schwan, his 5 children; Carol Schwan, JoAnne Schwan, Georgie Williams, Joseph Jr., and Geoffrey Schwan, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and his companion, Roberta Torres.

A celebration of life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at a later date that permits. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Phoenix Joseph P. Schwan Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association through https://www.82ndairborneassociation.org/donate.html

He will be put to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, aside his late wife of 78 years, Catherine Schwan.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Apr. 9 to Apr. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Schwan

Sponsored by Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary Indian School Mortuary.

7 Entries

Don Sauer

March 23, 2021

He was a loyal friend and cousin of my father and our family. Their history goes back many years. They will be missed. Joe, Rest In Peace you have done your duty. Family, friends and the US are great full.

Carol Budkowski Milgram

March 22, 2021

Our family just found out about Joe´s passing. He was a great friend to my father, Jack Budkowski. His daughter, Carol, kept in contact with Joe sharing stories and things from Wobbelein Concentration Camp where Jack had been interned and from where he escaped. The 82nd found Jack in the forest and tended to his wounds and general. God bless you Joe!!! The Budkowski Family

Don Sauer

January 14, 2021

My father and Joe were cousins and we met often while my father lived in Mesa. He was a true gentleman and loyal soldier and countryman. I will miss him. I realize this is late as I just found out about his passing. My condolences to the Schwan family

mike ward

November 18, 2020

Although this is a late note, I had to say how much I will miss Joe. I worked at Staples and Joe would come in once a week to process and print photos of his days in the 82nd Airborne. He talked with everyone and everyone enjoyed his company. He always brought in candy as well so we could all enjoy his generosity. He'd ask people how old they thought he was and one person said; "85?". He laughed ( he was 93) and said "I'm sure not that old" and he would shake everyone's hand and wish us all a good day. Joe was a true gemtleman the like of which we will never see again. God Bless you Joe.

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Damas Lane

May 1, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jack H.

April 12, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Joseph Schwan family.

I was fortunate to have met Joseph while accompanying my Father-in-law on an Honor Flight to Washington DC. Joseph was so proud of his Service to this country. He wore his Military Uniform proudly during all of the meetings. AND it still fit!

Where did we find such men during that time our country and world needed them? Joseph Schwan, a True Hero and a National Treasure.

RIP Joseph Schwan.

Ron Freeman

April 11, 2020

Rest In Peace Joe.

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