Beloved Keith Harrison Schwenn, age 66, of Putnam Lake, NY died peacefully at home on October 3, 2013.


Keith was born on January 29, 1947 in Flushing, NY to Carl and Marie (Harrison) Schwenn. He lived a beautiful life; with deep impact on the life of nearly every person he came in contact with.


Keith’s commitment to service and love of country were a defining force in his life that led to a 33 year military career. He served first on active duty during the Vietnam War and later, until his retirement in 2002, as a Lieutenant Colonel in the New York National Guard, Keith loved his time in uniform.

Full time, Keith was a dedicated medical professional; he retired as a Hospital Laboratory Administrator from Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY in 2009. During Keith’s career as a laboratory supervisor he worked in multiple New York City and Westchester County Hospitals.

On June 14, 1975, Keith married the love of his life, Karen E. Johnson with whom he built a large close family.


To say that Keith’s family was the center of his universe would be an understatement. From working triple shifts to provide everything possible for his children to ALWAYS prioritizing everyone above himself. As a husband, brother, and Father, Keith was the consummate family man, mentor, friend, advisor sounding board, and confidant. Second only to his family were his friends and coworkers for whom he tried to be an equally fair and focused mentor and friend.

Besides his wife of 37 years, Keith is survived by his five children and two grandchildren (three daughters, two sons and two granddaughters):

Khirsten T. Schwenn, of Southern Pines, NC, Karl R. (Kaleb) Schwenn, his wife Melly and their two children Melia and Megan of Dayton, OH, Karissa L. Schwenn, of Putnam Lake, NY, Kyle W. Schwenn of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Katherine E. Schwenn and her fiancé Tyler R. Fida of Lewistown, PA. Keith is also survived by two brothers and a sister; Kenneth Schwenn and his wife Liz and their children Linda and Judy, Kevin Schwenn, his wife Trudy and their daughter Beth Marie, and Kathy (Schwenn) Lawrence, her husband Michael and their children Michelle, Michael and Mark.

Due to his loving nature Keith was a father figure to many, Cassandra M. Ruiz of Danbury, CT and her daughter Alexis called him Dad/Grandpa, and held a special place in Keith’s heart.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Marie Schwenn.

A wake will be held on Monday, October 7, 2013 at 10:00am until 1:00pm where friends and family are invited to share some time with Keith’s immediate family saying goodbye. Following the wake a Memorial Service will be held from 1:30pm until 3:30pm at which time friends and family will be invited to share their memories or a favorite prayer. These gatherings will take place at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Patterson, NY 12563.

We know that many friends and family are unable to attend the services. If you would like to write a remembrance for us to read for you at the service please add it to site and indicate that you would like it read.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Keith’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association.

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