William J. Schwager

William (Bill) J. Schwager, formerly of Struthers passed early on Saturday morning, July 16th at Masternick Memorial Health Care Center.
Bill was born September 25th, 1923 in Deep River, Connecticut, the son of the late George and Anna Laubert Schwager. Bill’s family moved to Youngstown shortly thereafter where he grew up on the lower West Side. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Steck and Helen Wiandt and his brother, George Schwager Jr. A 1942 graduate of Chaney High School, Bill played varsity basketball and tennis. He attended Youngstown University, graduating in 1959 with an Industrial Engineering degree.
He worked at Youngstown Sheet and Tube in various capacities, retiring in 1983 as Director of Safety for the LTV Steel Company. Bill led steel plant safety initiatives, resulting in the Youngstown Works being nationally recognized for safety and efficiency. Bill also served as an Industrial Engineering Instructor at Youngstown State University.
Bill was married to Ann Marie Burosky Schwager until 1974 and later to Winona Rowland VanHouten Schwager. Both preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda Schwager McClure (Larry) of Struthers and son David (Sara) of Kettering. He is also survived by his step-daughter, Dawn Marie VanHouten Richard (Don) of Austintown and step-son, Robert VanHouten (Connie) of Avon Lake. He leaves five grandchildren, Matt (Jessica), Beth Anne, Dan (Tracy) McClure, Hannah and Sam Schwager and two great-grandchildren, Zachary and Oliver McClure.
Bill was an active member of the Youngstown Saxon Club and was named Saxon Man of the Year in 2001. He loved golf and played with his Thursday morning “amigos” group for many years. He enjoyed baking and cooking, his specialty was bread making. He was a great story and joke teller throughout his life.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10AM on Saturday, July 23 at Davidson-Becker Funeral Home, 11 Spring Street, in Struthers. A Prayer and Communion service will be celebrated at 11AM. A luncheon will follow at the Becker Family Center.
Bill’s family would like to thank the staff of Masternick’s Memorial Health Center and Hospice of the Valley for the incredible care and support extended to Dad. They would also like to thank the residents of Masternick for their comradery, caring, laughter and love. They are truly angels on earth!!
Bill’s family requests any gifts take the form of contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.