Roger Allen Schwab

Roger Allen Schwab, 78, of Mesa, Arizona, succumbed to pancreatic cancer peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on September 23, 2019. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, of 55 years, his two daughters, Kelly Schwab and her husband Gary Guisto, Carrie Schwab and her partner Harry Giusto, his two granddaughters, Marisa and Amanda Guisto, and his beloved dogs, Murdoch and Bandit. Roger was a loving father, husband, papa, hero and friend to everyone. Roger was born on April 17, 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was later adopted along with his three brothers (Howard, Lloyd and Marvin) by Casey and Millie Schwab and moved to Clarkdale, Arizona. He graduated early from Mingus Mountain High School and joined the Army. Despite his request to be trained as a mechanic, he was placed in the Special Forces and trained to be a demolitions expert. After serving in the Army, he returned to Arizona, found work in Page and met the love of his life, Cindy. He was working on the Glen Canyon Dam and Cindy lived next door. After a whirlwind romance which included the movies, Lady and the Tramp and 101 Dalmatians, Roger and Cindy were married in Cottonwood on June 27, 1964. After time in Page, Flagstaff and Cottonwood, Roger and Cindy settled in Payson, Arizona and raised their two daughters. Roger operated a successful construction business for many years before taking Cindy and their home on the road exploring the country for a few years. Roger returned to Arizona and became a locksmith spending the latter portion of his working life as a locksmith for Scottsdale Healthcare, retiring in 2013. Even though his diagnosis and passing were quick (10 weeks), he had the opportunity to visit with many family members and friends, making jokes, telling stories, and reminiscing about a life well lived. Although he has left this world, his love, humor and spirit will endure to all who had the opportunity to be a part of his life. In true Daddy fashion, “I was fine, but I got over it”. In honoring his wishes, there will be no funeral services. His desire was for his cremated remains to be spread in a place on the Mogollon Rim that held special memories for him and his family. He will be missed by many! We will host a very casual (funny t-shirts and/or hats encouraged) Celebration of Life open house to honor his memory and share his funny stories on October 20, 2019 from 2pm to 6pm at the Corona Clubhouse, located at 1212 North Juniper Road, Chandler, AZ (Ray and McClintock area). Street tacos will be served. Please RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected] so we have enough tacos for everyone. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Gabriel’s Angels, 727 East Bethany Home Road, Suite C-100, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or HALO Animal Rescue, 3227 East Bell Road, Suite D151, Phoenix, Arizona 85032.