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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Ernest A. Schwab

Ernest A Schwab, 90, of Wilmington passed away on July 11, 2023. He was born in New York City on July 24, 1932 to German immigrant parents, Ernst Eugene and Louise Marazzi Schwab.

Ernie earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He also held an MBA from the University of Delaware. He started his professional life as a Marine fighter pilot from 1954-58, achieving the rank of Captain. Out of graduate school, Ernie accepted a job with DuPont in Wilmington where he worked in marketing for seven years. In 1966 he returned to his love of flying, joining Pan American Airways until his retirement as Captain in 1989. Concurrently he served part-time as a commanding pilot for the Delaware Air National Guard, retiring in 1986 with the rank of Colonel. After Pan Am, he went to work as a flight instructor for Flight Safety International in Wilmington until his final retirement at the age of 75. Ernie was honored with induction into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2015.

He had a passion for racquet sports, travel and snow skiing. Ernie’s military service and work took him all over the world, including a brief active-duty stint in Vietnam. The Schwab family fondly remembers their ski trips to places ranging from the Rocky Mountains to the Alps. Always popular, Ernie will be remembered as a man of his word who loved his family and country.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marion Lucille Selover, his son, Charles (Karen) of Draper, UT, daughter, Susan of Wilmington, and three grandchildren, David (Sara), James (Morgan) and Madeleine (Kenneth) plus nine great grandchildren.

Remembrance services will be held at 11:00 AM on July 21, 2023 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. The interment service will be at 11:00 AM on August 23, 2023 at Delaware Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Talleyville fire Company, 3919 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 or online at https://www.talleyvillefireco.org.

 

For online condolences, please visit Chandlerfuneralhome.com.

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Funeral Services

Remembrance services will be held at 11:00 AM on July 21, 2023 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. The interment service will be at 11:00 AM on August 23, 2023 at Delaware Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.

Condolences

    John C. Schneider lit a candle and writes,
    Rest in Peace, Ernie. During my tenure you were one of the foundations of the DE Air Guard flying corps, and provided a direction which seems to be in short supply these days; days in which we could throw the Governor in the pool and all emerge with humor. Beyond just memories, of which I have many, you left instruction in more than just aviation, in courteous conduct and decency. God help us follow that path. John S.
    07/16/2023 10:01 am
    Mark Neisler writes,
    All honor to his name.
    07/17/2023 03:25 pm
    Charlie Weymouth, AIA writes,
    Deepest feelings are for wife Marion and Daughter Susan, both whom over these recent years continuously attended this Outstanding Citizen.--, And with sympathies to Son Charlie and Each Member of the Family. Integral to Our outstanding Person, he a committed Tennis/Racquets Player, oft on the opposite side of the net, he past 85, one still admires his true character being constantly projected: That Attitude of Never Quitting—even until death. Obvious in severe pain, he permitted no mention of such. One of numerous other attributes, (he being also recognized for his Carrier landings and subsequent flying for the Best in Commercial Aviation, deservedly elected to the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame,etc.) this recognized Aviator never spoke a word in self applause He, a true Gentleman, shall always be remembered a Quiet Hero.
    07/20/2023 12:19 pm
    Charles Altevogt writes,
    Marion and family, my heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the loss of Ernie to you and this world. Others have expressed sincere thoughts about the man he was. I echo and concur with them. I flew and trained with Ernie for some 20 years at the Air Guard. I fear the era of men with such humility, integrity and character is slipping away. I was honored to serve with him. Rest in peace my friend. P.S. Ernie, I forgive you for the many times you enjoyed buthering my last name, calling me the Artichoke... Sincerely, Charles Altevogt
    07/22/2023 05:11 pm

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