Obituary of Howard Schwager

Howard M. Schwager, 91, of South Glastonbury (formerly of Farmington) died peacefully on August 15, 2013 surrounded by his children. Howard was born on July 26, 1922, son of the late Michael Schwager and Agnes Breen Schwager. Howard is predeceased by his sister Gertrude Murray, half sister Elsie Trott, half brothers Joseph Daly, Michael Schwager, and Charlie Schwager. Howard leaves his sister Marion Southall and brother in-law Kenneth Southall of Sunapee, NH. Howard is survived by seven children: Mary S. Forde and her husband Austin of West Hartford; Peter C. Schwager and his wife Anita of Unionville; Howard M. Schwager, Jr. of East Hampton; Michael M. Schwager and his wife Michele of Colts Neck, NJ; Martin F. Schwager and his wife Julie of Granby; Matthew F. Schwager and his wife Nadine of Middletown; and Paul M. Schwager of Singer Island, FL. Howard gave much credit to his former wife Anne (McGuire) for raising his children. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Patricia and Liam Forde, Christopher and his wife Debby, Katie, Austin, Paul, Ginny, and Joe. He leaves several nieces and nephews. Howard proudly served in the US Army and Army Air Force within the 12th Air Cargo Resupply Squadron during World War II. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. His military experience brought him to England, France, Africa, India, and China. Much of Howard's military career was spent dropping supplies for the Allied Forces in Burma and North Africa. Howard is remembered for his military service in the archives of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Prior to entering the service, Howard worked for the Royal Typewriter Company and Colt Firearms Company in Hartford. As an apprentice under the GI Bill after the war, Howard became a journeyman carpenter within the home building and contracting business. Starting out on his own in 1948, Howard built many high quality homes in Newington, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, and in the Farmington Valley. He also built a vacation home in Old Saybrook that was enjoyed by his young family. With a keen eye for lay-out and traditional design, Howard hand-drafted the prints for all the homes he built. Howard stayed active in construction, working with his son Howard Jr. for fifteen years until retiring in 2000 at the age 78. He enjoyed the construction business and found it difficult to fully retire. The family would like to give thanks to the Middlesex Hospital and Middlesex Health Care Center for their care. The family would also like to give special thanks to Howard's nephew John Murray, niece Patricia Southall, and caregiver Gary Shore for their care, companionship and kindness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am on Monday, August 19th at Saint Augustine Church, 55 Hopewell Road, South Glastonbury. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Augustine Cemetery, Hopewell Road, South Glastonbury. Friends and relatives will be received at the Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury on Sunday, August 18th from 4 to 7pm. Donations in the memory of Howard may be made to the Saint Augustine Church Building Fund. For online condolences and directions, please visit: www.mulryanfh.com. .