William H. Schwarting Jr.

William Henry Schwarting Jr. of Jordan, laid down his shovel and turned off his digging equipment for a much needed eternal rest on Sunday, January 25, 2015.  Born in Syracuse on September 23, 1930, he was the son of William Henry Sr. and Clara Mey Schwarting.  He lived in Syracuse until his marriage to Barbara Ann Baker on August 30, 1953. Proud of his lifelong construction business, Bill bought his first Ford dump truck in 1947 with cash he earned digging ditches by hand, mowing lawns and working on a local farm.  Carrying the cash in a paper bag, he rode his bicycle to a Syracuse dealer and ordered his truck.  Being underage, they called his parents to see if they agreed.  In 1993, his son, Paul became a business partner and together they did sub-surface drainage and sold these supplies. Always in control and with a great memory, usually correct, Bill loved to talk, share his stories, offering his cryptic advice and opinions to anyone, keeping everyone on their toes. Along with his wife, Barbara, Bill leaves a cherished family of sons, Brad Donn (Suzanne Steinbacher) of Lowville, and Paul Duane (Mavis Roberts) and David Kim (Amy Whipple), both of Elbridge; grandchildren, Andrea Reed, Kurt, Ethan, Zane, Aurie, Logan, Lawton, Emily, Luke, Haley, and Jakob; great-grandson, Ian Reed; brothers, Fred (Debbie Bishop) of Weedsport, Lee (Barbara Jean Northrup) of Smyrna and Willard (Jean Emory) of Cayuga; and several nieces and nephews. During the Korean War, Bill was drafted and served two years as motor sergeant with the 43rd Infantry Army Occupation in Germany.  As past president and life member of NYLICA, he was dedicated to equipment safety education.  An avid and respected collector of early glasshouse whimsies, he gave many presentations in schools and organizations and was a member of ESBCA.  He was also a member of Masonic Lodge #386, Charles H. Platt Chapter 247, RAM, Jordan Historical Society and Christ Episcopal Church in Jordan. There will be no calling hours. To celebrate Bill's life, services will be Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. in Christ Episcopal Church.  Following the services, the family will receive friends and family in the parish hall until 4:30 p.m.  Burial will be at the family's convenience in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 25 N. Main St., Jordan  13080 or to a charity of one's choice.  
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