Paul Schwebel remembered for giving back to the community

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct that Paul Schwebel died surrounded by his wife and children. One daughter, Maryn, preceded him in death.]

Though Paul Schwebel served in various capacities at Schwebel Baking Co., he is remembered by those who knew him for his quiet leadership as he served the community throughout his life.

Schwebel died Sunday at 75 surrounded by his wife Dorothy and family.

Schwebel joined the family business at the Schwebel Baking Co. in 1968. The company was founded by his grandparents, Joseph and Dora Schwebel, in 1906. He served as treasurer, executive vice president and president during his tenure.

Friends said he was extremely involved in the Jewish community, particularly the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation and its agencies.

Bonnie Burdman, director of Community Relations and Government Affairs for Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said the organization is made up of some staff but is driven by volunteers.

"The current success of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation is a profit of the leadership from all of our volunteers, but Paul was one of the best ones we've ever had," Burdman said.

Schwebel started volunteering for the organization in the 1970s. Burdman described him as a volunteer who would listen to everyone and help people find ways to achieve goals in a way that would benefit the community.

"He was a volunteer who was on the ground floor on so many wonderful projects and initiatives," Burdman said, adding Schwebel worked diligently to make sure that every project or initiative was a success.

Andy Lipkin, CEO of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, said though Schwebel worked on many boards and committees, he never dominated them. He would always sit back and listen to everyone's opinions on different matters before adding his own ideas.

"He was someone who was a tremendous listener, and he had an open mind," Lipkin said.

While he never sought any honors, Schwebel received numerous awards for his volunteering, Lipkin said.

"He always wanted to be low profile," Lipkin said. "He was a very modest person and one of the brightest people I've ever met."

Schwebel was one of the original leaders in creating the Akiva Academy. He helped raise the funds to build it and also served as its second president.

He served as treasurer and president for Heritage Manor. He helped with the leadership and development of Levy Gardens Assisted Living in 1997 and received the Marvin and Saara Itts Community Award for his involvement. He also received the award in 2006 for his leadership in the Jewish Federation.

Paul was honored with the first Abe Harshman Young Leadership Award in 1984 and received the B'nai B'rith Guardian of the Menorah honor in 1994. He also received the American Business Women O My O Chapter "Boss of the Year" in 1982.

Lipkin said Schwebel was an integral part of everything that demonstrated growth in the Jewish Federation.

"I will say that there are very few volunteers like Paul Schwebel," Lipkin said.

Schwebel was also involved in the United Way, where he served on the Planning and Allocation Committee.

United Way President Bob Hannon said Schwebel was a generous donor and supporter of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.

When Hannon became president in 2008, Schwebel told him he would always support the organization as long as they continued to do good work in the community.

Hannon said Schwebel always checked in with him and paid attention to the work that the United Way was doing.

"He felt very fortunate to be successful and to build a strong company," Hannon said. "I think he felt it giving back was something you were supposed to do."

This story was originally published December 9, 2020 at 4:11 AM with the headline "Paul Schwebel remembered for giving back to the community."