Charles L. Schwab, Jr.

Charles Leonard Schwab, Jr., of New Haven (Westville), former Director of Public Works for the City of New Haven, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2016. He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Anne Lillis Schwab. Charles was born on August 5, 1923 to the late Charles Leonard Schwab, Sr. and Emily Freida Bauer. Charles attended Edgewood Grammar School, Sheridan Junior High, and graduated from Hillhouse High School, Class of 1941. Charles was very involved in sports, having played baseball, basketball, and hockey. Charles later attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Charles enlisted in the Army Air Corps after the start of WWII. He became a Bomber Pilot, flying a B-24 Liberator, and was assigned to the 15th Air Force and 450th Bomb Group known as the 'Cottontails,' stationed in Manduria, Italy. He flew 35 missions and was shot down three times. Two of his missions involved the aerial bombardment of the Ploiesti Oil Fields in Romania and the bombing of Monte Cassino Abbey in Cassino, Italy. He was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant. He was bestowed the Army Air Corps highest award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, along with the Air Medal and numerous other Citations. After his discharge, Charles worked for several manufacturing companies in the Greater New Haven area. He also served as Chairman of the 29th Ward, New Haven. Charles is survived by 4 children; Charles L. Schwab, III of Wallingford, Philip J. (Carolyn Z.) Schwab of North Haven, Ret. NHPD, Nancy (Thomas) Mahan of Mansfield, MA and Atty. Robert L. (Leslie) Schwab of Branford, his loving grandchildren; John C. Mahan of Waltham, MA, Sarah E. Mahan of Savin Hill, MA and Alicia C. Mahan of Somerville, MA, Charles P. Schwab of Warwick, RI and Joseph Schwab of North Haven, and Whitney L. Schwab, Trent Schwab, and Natalie A. Schwab of Branford. He also leaves a sister, Pamela E. Castiglione of Hamden, and several nieces and nephews, for whom he had great loving affection. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert E. Schwab, sister-in-law Frances E. Schwab of Southbury, brother-in-law Dr. Frank M. Castiglione of Hamden, Robert J. and Mary L. Sweeney of North Haven, and Joseph F. Lillis of New Haven. Funeral service will be held Tuesday January 19, at 11 AM at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. Friends may visit with his family prior to the service from 10-11 AM. Interment with Military Honors in Beaverdale Memorial Park.