Bernard Anthony Schwab III

1933 - 2025

Bernard Anthony Schwab III

October 15, 1933 - May 1, 2025

Bernard Anthony Schwab III ("Butch") of Charlottesville, VA died on May 1, 2025. Born on October 15, 1933, he was the son of the late John Anthony Schwab, Sr. and Fanny Lowman Schwab. He was preceded in death by his five siblings, Eleanor Gifford Wallace, Louise Gifford, Katherine Gifford, Elizabeth Gifford McLaughlin, and John Anthony Schwab, Jr. ("Jack").

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Watts Schwab; his children, Kevin Schwab, William "Dutch" Schwab, Carol Barnett (Ben), and Kurt Schwab (Theresa); and his grandchildren, Lauren Schwab, Samantha Schwab Goodwin (Sam), Lexi Schwab, and Morgan Barnett. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Clea Dezio (Jeff Mulfinger), Brooke Dezio (Eric Sartain), and Ashley Doherty (Paul), and their children, Ben Mulfinger, Will Mulfinger, Spence Doherty, and Creighton Doherty. Additionally, he leaves behind a large extended family, many dear friends and neighbors, and many of his children's friends who thought of him as a "second dad."

Butch's early years included several moves around the mid-Atlantic for his father's career as an executive with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In each new city, Butch and his brother Jack would find endless sources of mischief and adventure, and Butch reflected fondly on those experiences throughout his life. After moving frequently from school to school in his elementary years, his parents decided that boarding school would provide a more stable learning environment, and he enrolled at Calvert School in Baltimore. He later attended McDonogh School in Baltimore, where he excelled as an athlete and a leader, graduating as the highest-ranking officer in the Cadet Corps and winning the prestigious Lyle Memorial Trophy for best all-around student in the senior class. A star athlete, his many accolades included making the all-Maryland football and lacrosse teams, being two-time Maryland state wrestling champion, and later being inducted into the McDonogh Athletic Hall of Fame. He cherished his experiences at McDonogh and developed strong friendships with his classmates, many of whom remained lifelong friends.

Butch attended the University of Virginia where he continued his athletic pursuits, lettering in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, serving as the captain of the wrestling team, and winning an ACC championship in wrestling in 1955. A graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce, he was also a member of the V Club, 13 Society, Z Society, ODK Leadership Society, and a distinguished military graduate.

After college, Butch served occupational duty for the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He later returned to Charlottesville and began a career that included building and selling homes, many throughout the Key West neighborhood where he lived and raised his family. Butch was instrumental in building the Key West Club and fostering generational friendships among neighbors. He served in the Army National Guard for many years, was the head wrestling coach at UVA in the 1960s, and coached wrestling at the Blue Ridge School.

Butch will be remembered for his joyful spirit and light-heartedness, always looking for the best in every situation and raising others up with his positivity. A lively storyteller, he loved sharing the adventures and misadventures of his life and making others laugh. He enjoyed watching sports of any type (particularly UVA), riding his tractor, reading history, playing croquet, and painting with the ladies in his watercolor class. A truly good man, he generously offered love and acceptance to those around him, and was always willing to help others when needed.

A memorial service will be held at Pantops Community Church, 1525 Stony Point Rd, Charlottesville on Friday, May 9 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation at 10:00 a.m. and a reception following the service. Interment will be private. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph's Indian School (PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325; or stjo.org/flowers).