Steven M. Schwalb

Steven "Steve" M. Schwalb of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away April 23, 2023 at age 71 after a brief bout with cancer.

Born in Malverne, New York, Steve graduated from New York University with his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. While in college, he met the love of his life, Laurie, who he married shortly after graduating.

Steve spent 33 years, most of his professional career, at Perdue Farms, including serving as vice president of environmental sustainability until his retirement in 2015. He was tremendously proud and honored to be interviewed for the Perdue Museum and the 100th Anniversary Celebration in 2020. In June 2022, Steve received the Delmarva Chicken Association's J. Frank Gordy, Sr. Delmarva Distinguished Citizen Award.

Steve's commitment to serving others showed through his volunteer work and leadership. At the time of his passing, he was serving in his second term as a member of the Board of Directors of the Maryland Food Bank, an organization he'd been involved with since 1999. His work with the Food Bank was one of the things he was most proud of in his life.

Steve was an avid bicyclist who completed multiple Seagull Century rides on the Eastern Shore and other cycling races in places he loved, including the Five Boro Bike Tour in New York City. In recent years, he enjoyed volunteering as a bicycle shop mechanic for ABC Ministry at nearby Mariners Bethel UMC.

In addition to tinkering with objects, Steve also loved understanding what made people tick. A natural conversationalist, he could have a meaningful discussion with anyone, deeply valuing the opportunity to get to know others. A brief walk to his neighborhood clubhouse, for which he chaired the maintenance and operations committee for years, often turned into an hour-long outing as Steve would stop to schmooze with every person and dog that crossed his path.

As a Jack Daniel's aficionado and Tennessee Squire, he looked forward to new releases to add to his collection and showcasing the meaningful and rare bottles he'd acquired over the years.

But nothing brought Steve more joy than spending time with his family, especially Laurie, his loving and beloved wife of almost 48 years, and their daughter Lindsey, her husband Chris, and Steve's grandson Logan who made him a "Pops." The whole crew enjoyed weekend visits, baseball games, good meals, beach outings, walks, and long conversations. Steve was generous with his time, his advice, and his affection. All who knew him were grateful to have loved him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Beatrice Schwalb. He is survived by his wife, Laurie; daughter, Lindsey Neary (Christopher); grandson, Logan; as well as a sister, Elyse Besso; brother, Barry Schwalb (Marcia); and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Maryland Food Bank (2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd., Baltimore, MD 21227; http://mdfoodbank.org/donate) or Delaware Hospice (100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963; http://delawarehospice.com/donate).