Longtime Schwebel Baking Company president dies - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday for a man well known for his generosity and commitment to the community.

Businessman and former head of the Schwebel Baking Company, Joe Schwebel died on Monday.

Mr. Schwebel successfully led the Schwebel Baking Company as President for the last 27 years. He graduated from the Whatron School of Business but started his career driving bread truck routes in 1960.

Friends and family describe him as a soft spoken leader and a family man who always made time for everyone.

Jim Behmer, Vice President of Sales for the Schwebel Baking Company, called Joe "the classiest guy I know" and says employees and people throughout the community "just loved him."

Mr. Schwebel worked to grow the business during his years at the helm and is described as a leader in the baking industry and in the community.

Schwebel's is a family business and friends say Mr. Schwebel held employees in high regard.

Mr. Schwebel was also active in the community at large and in particular in the Jewish community.

Sam Kooperman, the Executive Vice President of the Youngstown Jewish Federation, said Mr. Schwebel chaired the young leadership group, was active in Jewish Family Children's' Services and sat on the Federation board. But, Kooperman says "the best thing I say about Joe is he had a lot heart, he really cared."

Kooperman says Mr. Schwebel believed in giving without recognition, adding it's something that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Mr. Schwebel's son, Lee, is the Director of Marketing for the Schwebel Baking Company. He says his dad was a" kind man, a true gentleman, and savvy businessman who is dearly missed."

Friends say Mr. Schwebel helped carry on the legacy of the Schwebel family giving by going out of his way to help people.

Joe Schwebel was 73-years-old.