Mr. Richard L "Dick" Schwab

Richard L. Schwab (Dick), 88, of West Chester, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cincinnati on May 16, 1930, the son of Herbert C. and Hannah W. Schwab. He was the youngest of four children: Herbert, Jr., Nancy S. Schild, John G. Schwab and Joan S. Merrill. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Nancy, devoted children, Richard, Jr., David G. and Anne (Betsy) S. Bury and dear grandchildren: Leanne, Christopher, Jennifer and Andrew Schwab, Tyler, Austin and Leah Bury and many nieces and nephews. Dick graduated from Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati in 1948 and Williams College in 1952, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa. Upon graduation from college, he enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. He graduated from O.C.S. and Leadership School and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was a true example of patriotism, which he instilled in his family. In 1955, he joined IBM, soon followed by his marriage. Ten years later, he joined MAI (an information technology leasing and processing firm). In 1968, he was appointed Regional Manager, with offices in Valley Forge and New York City. He and his growing family moved to Radnor, Pa. He joined the Decision Data Computer Corporation in 1971 to develop its End User division, rising to Vice President, before leaving to join the world’s largest IT trade show organizer, The Interface Group (a Boston-based firm). He traveled extensively to Asia, Europe, Canada and South America, developing and organizing trade shows including the company’s largest event, COMDEX. Dick retired from SOFTBANK COMDEX in 1998 as Executive Vice President. He tirelessly served the IT industry for 43 years, commuting to Boston the last sixteen. In Dick’s retirement, he was committed to volunteering. He served on the Board of Directors for The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and was a Pennsylvania Ombudsman for several long term care units, including the Wayne Center. He transported cancer patients to their treatments for The American Cancer Society, but was happiest at his post in Paoli Hospital, where he gave over 7,500 dedicated hours in service to others. During his lifetime, he enjoyed golf, tennis, music, summers in Northern Michigan, traveling, collecting antiques, bridge, sporting events and his dogs, but most of all, being with his family. Since 1980, he maintained an active membership at The Radnor Hunt. A generous man with a keen sense of humor, he was an eternal optimist who saw the best in everyone. At Dick’s request, a private memorial service will be held for his family. Remembrances may be sent to Paoli Hospital, 255 W. Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA 19301, The Brandywine Conservancy, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 or Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines, 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown, PA 19465.