Robert W. "Bob" Schwerer

Robert W. Schwerer

July 15, 1937 - November 11, 2025

Visitation: Friday, November 14th 4-8 PM

Service: Saturday, November 15th 10:00 AM St. Sebastian Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish

Robert (Bob) W. Schwerer, of Glenshaw, passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 11, 2025 at the age of 88.

Loving husband of 38 years to Anna Schwerer of the Sullivan family. Proud father to David Schwerer (Michelle), Karen McDermott (Paul), and Patricia McDermott (Mark) with the late Judith Schwerer; grandfather to Casey (Vincent), Mary (Matthew), Jessica (Doug), Kelly (Tim), Jennifer (Anthony), and Megan (Dustin), and great-grandfather to Vincent, Gillian, Sloane, Hazel, Cameron, Heath, Quinn, George, and Leo.

Brother to Carol Miller (Bruce, deceased), and the late Frank Schwerer (Peg) and the late Lois Spatafore (Bob, deceased), and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Bob: A Life of Hard Work, Family, and Making Connections

Bob grew up on the Northside of Pittsburgh, with his early childhood spent on the ball field at Sham Park and in the neighborhood with friends and family. His father, Frank, was a truck driver, famous for his turtle soup which left a lasting memory on anyone who tried (or smelled) it, and his mother, Hedwig, was a faithful wife and mother to Bob and his three siblings, Frank, Lois, and Carol. From his early years at St. Boniface and the Sarah Heinz House, to graduating from North Catholic, he learned the value of community and hard work.

After serving in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1957 to 1959, Bob returned home and married Judy Gaertner of West View in 1961. Together they raised three children-David, Karen, and Patty. Bob began his 42-year career at Sexton Food Service, rising from salesman to general sales manager, and calling on countless restaurants across the greater Pittsburgh area. The Schwerer family regularly attended Mass at St. Sebastian and the children were always meticulously dressed in their Sunday best, sitting in the same pew at church every week. Raising their family in Shaler, the Schwerers hosted many family and neighborhood picnics on Andrew Drive and later on Danube Drive in the Vienna Woods neighborhood.

In later years, Bob found love and companionship with Anna. Throughout their 38-year marriage, they traveled the world on cruises and bus trips and spent winters in Bonita Springs, Florida where he discovered one of his favorite pastimes, pickleball. He proudly helped introduce and grow the sport in the Pittsburgh area, forming many friendships along the way. Bob and Anna were also connected to several Catholic parishes over his years in Pittsburgh, most recently attending Mass and enjoying fellowship at La Roche's Magdalen Chapel.

He was most proud of his family and being an active grandparent to his six granddaughters as well as Anna's grandchildren. Bob, known as Pap Pap, enjoyed attending the children's sporting events, concerts, and recitals, most often in one of his classic sweat suits. He showed off his signature dance moves at his grandchildren's weddings and was thrilled to add the role of great-grandfather to his legacy. At his 80th birthday celebration, Bob gave a short toast, expressing his gratitude to all who were there as he raised a glass: "I'm thankful for the family that I have and I want to thank everyone for everything you've done for me, and you've made me so proud. And that's all I'm gonna say!"

In recent months, Thursdays became Bob's night to go out, enjoying a beer or seeing live music and giving Anna a reprieve. His favorite part of these outings was getting to know people, especially the waitstaff at local restaurants. Bob was also known for his trademark phrases and for labeling everything he owned with his name and phone number using a black sharpie. If there was a discount to be found, Bob had already clipped it, because paying full price was not an option!

A friend to many and a familiar face to countless others, he never missed a chance to strike up a conversation. Bob found joy in every old and new connection, spending hours making visits or on the phone catching up with others, especially his family and friends. He wanted to be remembered for his kindness and love for the people around him, which will be easy for all of us who knew him. Friends will be received Friday, November 14th from 4:00 to 8:00pm at Devlin Funeral Home, 806 Perry Hwy in the North Hills. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Sebastian's Church, (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish) on Saturday, November 15th at 10:00am. Everyone please meet at church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford, PA or UPMC Hospice Services.