George Thomas Schwend, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on August 28, 2025, after a life richly lived.
George is survived by his wife, Sally Schwend, and by his children, George Schwend Jr. and partner, Alexandra Foley, Nicole Katcher and husband, Andrew Katcher, Erin McIntosh and husband, Rob McIntosh, Jodi Gaines and husband, Raymond Gaines, Jenny Darley and husband, Tim Darley and Luke Ragsdale and wife, Raschel Ragsdale.
He is also survived by his siblings, Karen Henisa and husband, Sean Henisa, Gary Schwend and wife, Deborah Schwend; Mark Schwend and wife, Twinkle Schwend and Jayne Schwend. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jacob McIntosh, Sarah McIntosh, Rhyan Katcher, Jordyn Katcher, Luka Schwend, Patrick Conley, Michael Gaines, Mary Beth Picou and husband, Cole Picou, Emma Darley, Laura Darley, Makena Ragsdale, Dalen Ragsdale; and great-grandchild, Lucy Picou.
George was born on March 24, 1947, in Montclair, New Jersey, to George E. Schwend and Jean V. Schwend. He grew up in Bloomfield, New Jersey, where he attended Bloomfield High School and graduated in 1965. He pursued higher education at Northeast Louisiana State University (now University of Louisiana Monroe) where he joined the Theta Xi fraternity and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1970.
In the 1970s, George moved to Texas, where he built a distinguished career in healthcare and technology. He started as the general manager of MetPath Laboratories, setting the stage for a passion that would define much of his professional life.
He was the President and COO of Healthcare Communications (Cloverleaf) (1992–1998), earning a reputation as successful business leader, negotiator and pioneer of software technology that would advance medical industry standards.
He later co-founded Health Language, Inc. (HLI) and served as its President and CEO. HLI was renowned for developing the first language engine for healthcare, focused on managing healthcare terminology, standards, and vocabulary. His work in this field drove global transformation in how healthcare organizations communicate, document, and deliver care.
George was respected as a successful businessperson and a master negotiator who believed in the power of relationships and integrity. He was a mentor to many who later became leaders in the healthcare industry.
After selling HLI and retiring, George enjoyed life at Lake Fork in Emory, Texas. An avid fisherman and hunter, George loved lake life. He also enjoyed social and political conversations, the Yankees, vintage automobiles, classic rock & roll and large family gatherings with his favorite Italian foods and an ice cold Diet Coke.
George will be forever missed, while his love, counsel and wisdom will continue to guide and shape the many lives he touched.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on George’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/george-thomas-schwend. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Stoney Point Cemetery for a committal service.
The family will receive guests during a visitation on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.