Herman E. Schwalbach, Jr. 73, of Chillicothe passed on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at his residence unexpectedly.

He was born January 14, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Herman E. Sr. and Betty E Perry Schwalbach.

Surviving are a son, Herman E. Schwalbach, III, of Dunellen, NJ; a daughter, MaryBeth (Rob Meyer) Schwalbach, of Hillsborough, NJ; stepsons, including Shane David (Priscilla) Whitley, of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Sean Komssi, Madison Schwalbach, Sierra Whitley, Shane Whitley, Jr., Donald Whitley and Brandon Whitley; multiple siblings including, brothers, Frank Schwalbach and Charles Schwalbach; sisters, Mary Davidson, Loretta Meyer (deceased); and several nieces and nephews. Herman enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1972 where he was stationed in California, Alaska, Fuji Japan, Okinawa Japan, and Camp Legume in North Carolina. His occupation while serving was auto mechanics and was a driver of the military mule. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant in June 1978 after receiving a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He met his first wife, Anne (Barry) Schwalbach while both were in the Marine Corps. They were married in 1975, their first child being born a year later on base. Their 2nd child was born in 1978. After his discharge from the military, they raised their two children in New Jersey. He was a devoted father, always there for his children whether family vacations, coaching little league baseball and football, watching dance recitals. I got my love of the ocean from him from when he’d take us out to where the waves break and let us go to ride the waves to shore. He taught us to ride bikes, then go-karts, dirt-bikes. As teenagers, he taught us to drive, made sure we knew how to change a tire. Taught us how to change the oil, spark plugs, and was always there to let us “borrow” gas money. Then, when the grandchildren arrived, he did it all over again. More parks, more play, soccer games and pickup’s from daycare. Always a solid presence, safe, predictable to give the best he could. We will always treasure these memories of him. He loved his animals. There was always at least one dog, and later cats, too. He welcomed into the family all of the strays that we brought home. They were just as much his children as the human children. If you look back at pictures, you’ll find plenty with a dog in his lap that has NO business being a lapdog plus a cat or two on his shoulders. He kept them safe, and happy, and loved.

He was generous, kind, and proud. He was a father, grand-father, brother and friend. Our hearts are fuller for having known him and he will be truly missed.

A military graveside service conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026 in Green Summit Cemetery, Adelphi, Ohio. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

You may sign his online register at warefh.com