Schwebel, John Charles, Leonardo

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John Charles Schwebel, of Leonardo, died suddenly of cardiac arrest while biking on April 8, 2017, four days after his wedding anniversary. He was born on June 30, 1942 in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Cretin High School in St. Paul. He obtained his master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Minnesota and his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Illinois where he met Carolyn Yasko. They were married in Vermont on April 4, 1971.

In 1979 he began his employment at AT&T Bell Lab working as a scientist in pure research. He successfully patented a data process system employing multiple processors. While working for Siemens Medical Systems, he published seminal work in the area of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

John was an accomplished long distance runner having completed many marathons including two Boston’s, Jersey Shore, and Los Angeles.

John loved swimming and cycling races at his summer camp on Crystal Lake at Barton, Vermont. He regularly trained and raced with several cycling clubs in Monmouth County. He was a co- founder of Equalizers, “Advocates for People with Disabilities” and successfully litigated against cities and counties for violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

As a strong force for social justice and civil rights he volunteered with the Middletown Human Rights Commission and Monmouth County Human Relations Commission where he served as technical director, managing their website.

He was an ongoing supporter for Monmouth County SPCA and disability rights organizations.

John is remembered as a kind, caring, good man who was a strong biker and cat lover!

He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Dolores Schwebel, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and in-laws, Michael and Winona Yasko of Vermont. He was also predeceased by four beloved cats and is deeply missed by his black, 18-year-old cat, Magic. Surviving are his loving spouse, Carolyn; his siblings, Joe Schwebel (Maryann) and Kathy Hawkins; twin brother, Jim Schwebel (Mary); a cousin, Susan Olson (Larry); a sister-in-law, Michele Young (life partner Karl L. Mol); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial picnic event will take place on his birthday on June 30 at Thompson Park Picnic Tent, 805 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, from 3 to 6 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Senior Cats for Senior Laps at the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, N.J. 07724 or to Compassion Without Borders, P.O. 14995, Santa Rosa, CA 95402.