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Stephen Schweitzer Obituary (JoAnne Franks husband)
Steve was not a member of our class, but atteneded all of our reunions and many of our class dive dates with JoAnn. Many of. our classmates knew him from playing football or other sports as he grew up in Silverton. Stephen Joseph Schweitzer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1944. He passed away just weeks before his 82nd birthday, on May 22, 2026, after bravely battling the awful disease, dementia, for more than a decade.
Steve graduated from Purcell High School in 1963 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees on a football scholarship from the University of Cincinnati. In 1966, he married his sweetheart, Bearkitten, JoAnn Franks. They celebrated 59 years together last December.
Steve worked as a coach and teacher throughout his career, positively impacting the lives of thousands of athletes and students. He began his career at Moeller HS, then moved to Courter Tech (now Cincinnati State), Aiken HS, and finally to Colerain HS, where he remained until his retirement in 1998. At CHS, he taught and tutored Algebra, Geometry, and General Math, coached Girls' basketball, Football, and Track, and sponsored the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Breakfast Club. He was inducted into both the Purcell HS and CHS Athletic (100-year Coach) Hall of Fames, and at St. James Parish, he served on the board and coached couples in pre-Cana sessions.
He will be fondly remembered for his passions in retirement: his family, especially his grandchildren, golfing, gardening, and his UC Bearcats.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, Joseph G. and Thelma (Finke) Schweitzer, and brother, Joseph V. Schweitzer. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, JoAnn (Franks) Schweitzer, his three children, Scott Jerome (Marcia), Stephanni Jo (Michael), and Joseph Roy (Tricia), his six grandchildren Christopher (Samantha), Sarah, Zachary, Elizabeth, Joseph (Breanna), and Davia; great-granddaughter Sloane; siblings, Joyce, Rita, and Mark (Peggy); and several nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
An open-house-style visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, located in Mt. Healthy, 7345 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45231, from 10:00am-12:00pm, followed by eulogies and a liturgy from 12:00pm-1:00pm, and a cremains burial ceremony at St. James Church Cemetery in White Oak. Feel free to wear Flag Day, UC, or CHS gear.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Stephen’s name to the University of Cincinnati Foundation, Colerain High School Boosters, Purcell Marion HS, City Gospel, or your own Alma mater. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.paulyoungfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.
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Bob Jacobs
Marie has known Steve since grade school at St. John's, and I went to Woodward with Joanne. Through both the Woodward and St. John's reunions, the four of us became close friends as couples. Our friendship goes back nearly 25 years.
At every reunion or gathering, we always sought each other out and spent a lot of time together. Over the years, we shared dinners, concerts, and many other memorable occasions with Joanne and Steve.
Steve never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel as though they had been lifelong friends. He was always a pleasure to be around. Steve was a wonderful classmate, teacher, coach, and mentor, but above all, he was a devoted husband and father.
The incredible turnout at the funeral home was a testament to how well loved Steve was and, more importantly, to the profound impact he had on so many lives.
Steve's service reminded me very much of our daughter's funeral. Like Steve, she was a teacher, coach, and mentor who touched the lives of countless young people. Seeing so many lives represented was a powerful reminder of the lasting difference that caring educators and mentors make.
Rest in peace, Steve. You can be at peace knowing that you left an enduring legacy through the countless lives you touched. I like to think that you are now in wonderful company in heaven.
Steve was truly blessed with a loving family—Joanne, Scott, Stephanie, and Joe. Scott did an outstanding job officiating the service, Stephanie thoughtfully coordinated everything, and Joe's song was a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to his father. The words shared by family and friends reflected the deep love and admiration everyone had for Steve and the remarkable life he lived.