Community Corner

'I'll Miss Ya Coach': Tributes to Keith Schwab

Schwab, president of the Haddonfield Soccer Club, died suddenly this week. His many admirers are paying tribute to him online.

Haddonfield Editor's profile picture
Haddonfield Editor, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|

The sudden death of Keith Schwab this week stunned his family and friends. Just 45, Schwab left a legacy as a family man, devoted friend and passionate youth sports mentor.

Reports say Schwab died in his sleep while taking a nap Monday afternoon.

Services for Schwab begin Thursday at 4 p.m., when his family will receive mourners at at Christ the King Church. The funeral Mass follows Friday at 10:30 a.m. (View Keith Schwab's full obituary.)

Find out what's happening in Haddonfield-Haddon Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Old friends, relatives, neighbors and parents of the soccer players Schwab so enthusiastically shepherded through Haddonfield Soccer Club are leaving tribute to him online:

  • "Keith was deeply passionate about the game of soccer and throughout his life he strived to make soccer exciting and enjoyable for all the players in the club," the club posted on its website. "Keith was a wonderful coach and mentor to the youth players of Haddonfield. He inspired them because he was genuine in his motives, provided positive encouragement, and his belief that they could reach their goals. Keith will be greatly missed by his family, players, fellow coaches and all the members of the Haddonfield soccer community."

  • "Schwabbie, your family lost a loving husband and a loving father. The community lost a guy who woke up every day trying to make Haddonfield a better place for our children. You were a mentor to our kids and made our little girls believe in themselves. You were a proud father to 4 but a father figure to many more. My hunch is that your probably negotiating with the big guy on how to make heaven a better place. That's just your way. Passing on Memorial Day fits the script. After all it's a day we honor our heroes. I'll miss ya Coach."

  • "My prayers and condolences go out to Keith's family. My time with Keith hunting in Maryland over the years will be fondly remembered."

  • "Haddonfield, NJ lost one of its own, Keith Schwab, beloved father, husband, coach, neighbor, friend- prayers for our town pls- #Love"
    • Sending prayers to the Schwab family for strength during this most difficult time. Keith certainly was a Haddonfield icon for those of us with children.
    • There are no words...Leslie and family we are all here if you need anything!
    • Our deepest condolences to this wonderful family. Keith was a terrific, community-minded man. He will be deeply missed.
    • Keith coached my niece's soccer team. She adored him. Rest in peace Keith. We are praying for your family.
    • To the Schwab Family from the Kowalski Family at HFS. We are so sorry for your loss. God Bless you. You are in our prayers.
    • "Those of us who went to school with Keith back in Cambridge, MD are all at a loss for words. Our hearts have sunk at the passing of our classmate, our Valedictorian, our friend, the smartest, wittiest, most thoughtful guy we all knew! Please know you are in our prayers!!"

    Find out what's happening in Haddonfield-Haddon Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

    Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

    We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

    More from Haddonfield-Haddon Township