SARATOGA SPRINGS — J. William Schweiker, 92, of Saratoga Springs, passed away at home on Friday, August 13, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born in Troy on February 16, 1929, the only child of Alice Powis Schweiker and J. William Schweiker Jr. He attended St. Lawrence’s School, LaSalle Institute, Siena College and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from Union College and received his Professional Engineering License. After graduating, he went to work at the Watervliet Arsenal. In 1955, while working at General Electric on the Atlas Missile Project, he designed the mechanical portion of the rocket system that directed the re-entry vehicle into the atmosphere. When General Electric closed the Malta Test Station he returned to the Watervliet Arsenal where he worked until his retirement
in 1994.
Bill met his future wife, Marilyn Evans, in September 1957, and they married one year later on September 20, 1958. They were happily married for 62 years. They moved into their house on Pinewood Avenue in 1966 and together they raised their three wonderful daughters. He and his wife participated in many outdoor activities. They enjoyed downhill skiing, bike riding, and were avid walkers. They also enjoyed traveling throughout New England and Europe, and a visit to Arizona each February.
He was a devout Catholic, and after his retirement, a daily communicant at St. Clements, and an altar server on Thursdays.
Bill was active in community affairs in Saratoga Springs. He served on the Saratoga Springs City Planning Board for nine years. He also served on the school board for Saratoga Central Catholic High School, where he wrote the school’s constitution when it became independent. Bill was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a longtime member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.
Bill was an avid reader, writer, a font of knowledge on many subjects, and a natty dresser. He loved visiting museums, attending concerts, photography and cats. He enjoyed a bowl of Stewart’s ice cream every night. He could fix anything and always had a project in progress. He made sure to leave his to-do list in the hands of his three sons-in-law.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Evans Schweiker, his three daughters, Lisa Borchers (Robert), Molly Flanagan (Bruce) and Martha Ray (Gordon), all of Saratoga Springs. He was PopPop to seven grandchildren: Will and Grace Borchers, Emma Kate and Jack Flanagan, and Sadie, Chloe and Abby Ray. He is also survived by a cousin, Tina Herrlich, of Burlington, VT.
Above all, Bill considered himself an engineer, a lifelong devout Catholic, a Saratogian and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends gathered in his honor on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Reverend Randall Patterson. Burial followed at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
