Ralph T. "Skip" Schwab

Ralph T. [Skip] Schwab, age 87, of Mobile, AL, formerly of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on January 17, 2025. He was born in Erie, PA, December 8, 1937, son of the late Thomas T. Schwab and Frances A. (Adams) Schwab. 

Upon completing high school, Skip attended Miami University of Ohio for several years, returning to Erie to assist his family in the grocery business. Graduating from Gannon University, he served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in India and subsequently as an administrator for the Catholic Relief Services program in Indonesia. Upon returning to the United States, he was employed with Community Action Agency’s programs, first of Erie and then of Ashtabula County, OH. Relocating to the Chicago metro area, he joined the congregation of Alexian Brothers; during this period he earned master’s degrees from Mundelein College (Loyola of Chicago) and The University of Chicago. He spent the rest of his career working as a licensed clinical social worker, primarily in healthcare, including more than twenty years in the hospice field, primarily in Albuquerque, NM. 

A lifelong avowed traveler, he continued his exploration of South and Southeast Asia and more recently was a frequent visitor to the United Kingdom. In his early 80s, he moved to Georgia, and never wavering in his pursuit of lifelong learning, he reentered college at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA, majoring in geography and history. His spare time interests included classical/operatic music, reading, cooking, movies and theater. Skip was also a former member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and was active in the Episcopal church, both in New Mexico and Georgia.

In addition to his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his brother, J. Donald [Don] Schwab, a nephew, Mark S. Schwab, and former partner, Frederick [Fred] J. Semmler. 

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jane Schwab of Erie, nieces Amy Elder (Kenneth) of Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, Nancy Lapointe (David) of Ocean Springs, MS, and Laura Dollinger (Kenny Phanders) of Ocean Springs, MS, nephew John Schwab (Maria) of Mars, PA, ten grandnieces and grandnephews, three great grandnephews, and “adopted” brother David Coulam (Becky) of Woodridge, IL.

The family will hold a celebration of life sometime this summer. Arrangements by Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Downtown, 602 West 10th St. 

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.