Charles A. "Charlie" Schwan

1939 - 2018

Charles A. 'Charlie' Schwan

Rancho Bernardo - Charles A Schwan passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018 at the age of 78 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. His family and close friends were with him. Charlie was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School in 1963. He went to Duquesne University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Accounting. After graduation, he was hired by the accounting firm Arthur Anderson and moved to Los Angeles in 1964. Charlie and Helen met on a blind date, and were married on August 8, 1964. In 1971, Charlie and Helen had 3 small children and Charlie was hired by Cohu Inc. as Treasurer, Vice President of Finance in San Diego, so the family moved to Rancho Bernardo. He became Executive Vice President and COO in 1995, and in 1996 President and Chief Executive Officer. Charlie served as Chairman of the Board from 1999 to 2010 when he retired from Cohu Inc. Charlie is survived by his wife Helen of 54 years, sons David and Michael, daughter Julie (Les) Blake, 4 grandchildren, Zachery Schwan, Katie, Abigail and Jack Blake, sister Jeannie Szarmach (Pittsburgh), sisters-in-law Theresa Schwan (Rancho Cucamonga), and Olga Shasta! (Winnipeg), and many nieces and nephews in California and Pittsburgh. Charlie enjoyed life! He enjoyed hiking all around San Diego and Hawaii, and traveling with his friends around the world. His 2 favorite saying were " Everything in Moderation, and Moderation is the Key." The family would like to thank Oakmont of Escondido for the care they gave him during his 5 years there. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 at St. Michael's Church in Poway, on Tuesday, March 13. We will be having a celebration of life afterwards at the Maderas Golf Club on Old Coach road in Poway. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's San Diego.