Paul’s Obituary for the Chronicle
Paul Robert Schwaegerle of Oberlin passed away January 29, 2021, at Allen Hospital at 92 years of age. Paul , the youngest of 3 children, was born October 19, 1928, in Cincinnati to Ruth and George Schwaegerle. He is survived by his loving and beloved wife Catherine (Cutshall) to whom he was married for nearly 69 wonderful years. He is also survived by his 3 sons and their families – Thomas (Marido) of Plantation, FL; Daniel (Sonya) of Rye, NH; James (April) of Leland, MI; and 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Paul’s two siblings: Edward Schwaegerle (age 100) living at Kendal in Oberlin and Jean Geist (age 96) at Mason Christian Village in Cincinnati.
In 1951 Paul graduated from the University of Cincinnati and began his career as a chemical engineer at Avon Lake Development Center of the B.F.Goodrich Company in forward integration. He spent 40 years with BFG retiring in 1991. Two of those years were spent at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD, where he and Cate made several lifelong friendships. Paul also spent 10 years in Gloucester, MA, as plant manager of BFG production of vinyl and urethane, film and sheet products. Their family lived in Wenham, MA where Cate and Paul formed several additional deep friendships both through the Beverly Second Congregational Church as well as neighbors.
Paul’s interest in photography began while in the army, and he continued his interest throughout his career, attending numerous courses and workshops. Upon retirement, he and Cate traveled extensively – enjoying over 50 trips with Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel), and many other tour groups both domestically and overseas. Choosing the best photos from their travels, he exhibited at Kendal, FAVA and elsewhere along with giving slide travel shows for family, the Metro Parks System, retirement communities and several other organizations. He loved using his creativity to design scrapbooks and personal greeting cards for family and friends. Paul transitioned from a darkroom and smelly chemicals to a computer where he could manipulate photographs digitally. His final exhibit of Amish farm life culminated in publication of a book in 2017.
Paul and Cate met through their youth group at Norwood Christian Church in Cincinnati, and were active members of their church communities wherever they resided. Paul was very active in the First Church in Oberlin and led several campaigns for improvements where he was known to turn his wry humor to inspire parishioners to support the church.
The family is hoping to have a memorial service at Kendal in late spring or early summer, details to be announced when plans can be made. Cremation was handled by Cowling & Sons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Paul’s memory be made to the First Church in Oberlin, 106 N. Main Street or to Kendal at Oberlin, 600 Kendal Drive, Oberlin, OH 44074
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