News about Coach Schwak

[Wes Anderson]

This was posted on the Classmates.com site, please get your message to Coach Scwhak.

I am not sure if y'all are aware that Coach Schwak was diagnosed with Lou Gherig's disease a while back. At this time, he is not doing well. I have emailed some alumni his address to send him and his family a card. If you are interested in sending him a card, you can email for his address. Thanks, Barre' Smedley Thompson

As soon as I get an email address I will post it here

Thanks Barre Thompson for the post (Class of '85)

[ansmor4]

Coach Schwak
4010 Chelsea Lane
Marietta, GA 30062

[Wes Anderson]

Thanks Barre.....

[cshuler]

Wes -

Is there any update on Coach Schwak? I have not heard anything.

Chris.

[Wes Anderson]

Chris,

I haven't heard anything either, maybe someone will post something....keep your ear to the ground and keep checking back.

Wes

[Jon lewis]

I spoke wiyh Mrs. Marino she works at Suwannee Sports Academy and did not say she was aware of anything new about Coach Schwak. this was in the summer

[Wes Anderson]

Thanks Jon, hope you are doing well

[patkeller]

Just saw this as part of an article on the web page www.northwestgeorgia.com/sports/local_story_309231349.html

"Among those in attendance at the banquet was David Schwak, a former Georgia player (defensive captain in 1975), and his wife Linda.

David Schwak was diagnosed with ALS in March 2005, although some of the symptoms showed up in the fall of 2004. A day after he was diagnosed, Schwak retired as a DeKalb County teacher of 29 years, his wife said. He was 51 at the time and is now confined to a wheelchair.

“His condition has worsened,” Linda Schwak said, “but he was able to walk our oldest daughter (Erin) part way down the isle when she was married on June 30. That was really special.”

[Erin Schwak Walter]

Hello! I was just googling around to find articles on my dad and found this. The Schwak family is so grateful for all of the support from all of our friends, like you. My dad is doing ok, lately, and although he is in a wheel-chair, and tired, he never looses that positive attitude. It is inspirational! We are having our entire family over to my parents on Christmas day, and are so excited for that (all 50 of us!!). You can shoot me an email anytime at: [e-mail] if you'd like to keep updated. Merry Christmas!
Erin Schwak Walter

[parker]

Erin,
I'm glad your dad is doing ok. He was a good teacher and a good man. I was in the class of 84 he was always fair. Happy New Year!

[Wes Anderson]

Erin,

Thank you so much for keeping us posted, your dad was my position coach and I can still see him dunking a basketball today, I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year, if you need anything, shoot me an email

[e-mail]

Thanks again
Wes
Board Administrator

[Barre Thompson]

Just got word from the Schwak family that Coach Schwak passed away Thursday night in his sleep. Visitation is on Sunday from 3-6 and funeral is on Monday at 2 in Marietta. Here is what I got off ajc.com/obits: They have a link to sign a message for the family.

David Schwak

Family-Placed Death Notice

SCHWAK, David DAVID PETER SCHWAK David Peter Schwak, of Marietta, loving father, devoted husband, caring son and brother, passed away on March 14th, 2008 at the age of 54. David was born in Reinerton, PA and moved to Athens, GA to attend the University of Georgia on a football scholarship under Vince Dooley. Because of his humble spirit, many were unaware that he played defensive back for the Bulldogs from 1971-1975, and was a defensive captain of the '75 team that won eight games and earned a surprise invitation to the Cotton Bowl. He was a mentor, teacher, and devoted coach for 28 years at Stone Mountain High School and Stone Mountain Middle School until his retirement in 2005. The small things in life are what he valued most. The beach at sunset, picnics with his family in PA, spending time with friends and family, playing guitar and singing karaoke, lunch at the OK caf� with his former Georgia teammates and of course game days in Athens. He was a faithful member of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Linda Wilson Schwak; their children: daughter and son in law Erin and Ryan Walter, son Paul and daughter Lindsay, his mother and father, Jeanne and Peter Schwak, and siblings and their spouses: Richard and Jane Schwak, Cathy and John Dubowsky, Janie and Dan Fitzpatrick and Robert and Sheila Schwak, all of Tower City, PA. He was a wonderful uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 16th from 3 to 6pm at H.M. Patterson & Sons, at the Canton Hill Chapel in Marietta. A memorial service honoring David Schwak will be held on Monday, March 17th at 2 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church Sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ALS Foundation of Georgia, 1955 Cliff Valley Way Ste. 116, Atlanta, GA 30329. Arrangements by H.M. Patterson & Son, Canton Hill, 1157 Old Canton Rd. Marietta, GA 30068

[copejeff]

Great man, besides my dad one of the most influential man in my life. My thoughts and prayers go to his kids and wife.

[Barre Thompson]

I went to the visitation today for Coach Schwak. There was a line wrapped around the funeral home, and it took me over 45 mins to get in and say a word to the family. I met Linda, Coach Schwak's wife, and Erin, his daughter. They are two very gracious people. They are very grateful for all the people who have sent cards and kept their family in their prayers. The family seemed resolved that Coach Schwak is no longer suffering. Although he was never in pain, he was not himself at the end. I can not begin to tell you how many pictures they had of Coach Schwak there, but there were many of him in his UGA football uniform. He will remain a legend at SMHS. I think the family would still like to receive cards after the funeral recalling your greatest memory of Coach Schwak. That was one thing that I noticed today, they love the stories of him. There was many!!!

[Wes Anderson]

Barre,

Glad you could attend, sounds like it was a real tribute and I wish I could have made it, I have many memories of Coach Schwak on the field and off the field as well, PE class was always a lot of fun and he taught me life lessons and helped mold me into what I am today, he pushed me to the limits and made me realize my potential. We will all miss him......

[mbc5202]

has anyone heard anything current on Coach Schwack?

[mbc5202]

:'(Sorry about my previous post, I was so anxious to hear about his condition that I didn't even see the post about his passing.

I was a lost soul in High School and Coach Schwak was the only man in my life that I had any respect for.

He expected more out of me than I did. He challenged me mentally and physically (We would some pretty intense games of one on one during PE).

I am deeply saddened by his passing and I wish his family well.

[deborah huff]

Jun 15, 2006 9:56:39 GMT -5 ansmor4 said:

Coach Schwak
4010 Chelsea Lane
Marietta, GA 30062

[neo]

I am sadden to hear about the news of Coach Schwak. I had him for PE at Stone Mountain Junior High and he was a funny guy. I remembered he always had us stretch out before we start every class. He was a very cool teacher. He will truly be missed.