Robert "Bob" Louis Swick

Robert "Bob" Louis Swick, 86, passed peacefully on Saturday, January 5, 2013 surrounded by his adored wife, Mary Jane, of 63 years and loving family following a short illness. Bob was born in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Hempstead High School where he was a member of the rifle team and was a New York State sharpshooter champion during his senior year. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating with honors and a BS in Chemical Engineering. Bob also proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and maintained a love of country throughout his life. Bob completed a 38 year career with Exxon Chemicals starting as a manager at Esso Bayway Refinery in New Jersey. His career in refining and petrochemicals took him to positions in New York City, Houston, TX, Toronto, Canada and travels around the globe. One of Bob’s many accomplishments included being a founding member of the NPRA, the leading association for the domestic refining industry. Bob was a passionate fly fisherman and outdoorsman. He particularly enjoyed fishing in Alaska and the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana. He loved sailing Long Island Sound while living in Westport, CT and the Gulf of Mexico while living in Texas. Bob spent many wonderful family vacations in Nauset Heights, Cape Cod, MA. He also enjoyed playing golf as a member of Pine Forest C.C. in Houston. During his retirement Bob and Mary Jane enjoyed traveling the world together and with friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Louis P. and Frieda F. Swick and elder sister, Marion (Swick) Walters. He is survived by the love of his life, constant companion, and wife of 63 years, Mary Jane (Bigelow) Swick, son Dean Swick of Houston, Texas, daughters Dana Swick Williams of Ottawa, Canada, Jaimie Swick Rud and husband Joseph of Oakton, Virginia, and Susan Swick Deason and husband Jim of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 5 loving grandchildren, Grant Cordell Swick, Katharyn Rud Cordero and husband Rafael, Kristina Mary Rud, Brian Christopher Rud, Amanda Deason Kurle and husband Michael, and great-grandson Jared D. Kurle. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX, 77079 at 10:30 am on Friday, January 11, 2013. Honorary pallbearers are Bob’s many colleagues from ExxonMobil and the energy industry, along with his treasured golf, sailing and fishing companions. The family greatly appreciated the loving care provided by Vitas Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Robert "Bob" Louis Swick

April 26, 1926 - January 5, 2013