Robert "Bob" Allen Swartz

Robert “Bob” Allen Swartz, age 90, of Asheville passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Bob was born on October 10, 1935, in Little Falls, NY. A graduate of Mohawk High School, Bob was a veteran of the US Army, in active duty from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1963.

During high school, Bob was a wrestler and graphic designer/illustrator. If he had been afforded the opportunity, he would have pursued a career in the arts, however he was a practical man. After finding work locally at Standard Furniture in Herkimer, Bob had a long and proud career in the furniture industry, working for Ethan Allen and Drexel Heritage. He met the love of his life, Hildegard, at Standard Furniture in Herkimer, NY with whom he fell in love, married, and built a life along with their daughter Rebecca.

While he worked as an executive professionally, he also utilized his woodworking talents to support those he cared for. He was the neighborhood go-to for custom arches and well covers; he was asked to build bridges and fences; and he was an expert craftsman when it came to mending broken or damaged furniture. Robert was a dedicated volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for two decades. He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, adored his three grandchildren, and was the first to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. He loved puzzles and problem solving and was known as a jokester, always ready with his quick wit and a knowing smile once the punch line hit.

Bob was the son of the late Joseph E. and Evelyn Hicks Swartz. He was husband of 48 years to the late Hildegard Maria Swartz; and was also preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles “Chuck” J. Swartz of Middleville, NY; brother-in-law, Karle Bäurle (Brigitte); and sister-in-law, Hannelore Mueller (John).

Surviving is his daughter, Rebecca Swartz (wife Laura Brightwood); son-in-law Marty Roupe; special friend and companion, Kathleen O’Mara; grandson, Griffin Roupe; granddaughters, Tessa Roupe, and Sydney Brightwood; beloved family member, Christine Schneider; sister-in-law, Lynne Swartz; nieces, Tracey Annable, Christl Mueller-Hussey, Gabriele Braun, and Sybille Rose; nephews, Todd Swartz, and Rüediger Bäurle; and a loving extended family in Kristen, Chris, Emily, and Victoria Howle and Jake Calloway.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, in St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern Street, Asheville. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Eugene Building Fund, 72 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804 or Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 2198, Asheville, NC 28802.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Swartz family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.