Stephen Francis Schweitzer, 78, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at Stanford Hospital following complications from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Born in Manhattan, New York, to the late Mary Irene Fox and Robert Francis Schweitzer, Stephen spent part of his childhood in Miami, Florida, before moving to California. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving seven years during the Vietnam War era aboard the USS Sampson and the USS Ramsey. He received an honorable discharge in recognition of his dedicated service. In 1972, he married Maria “Penny” Noel, and together they built a life centered on family, raising three children. The family moved to Moss Landing in 1976 and settled in Salinas in 1982. Stephen began his career as a technician at Hughes Aircraft in Southern California. After relocating north, he worked at Fort Hunter Liggett and Radionics before joining the Salinas High School District IT department in 1994. He later continued his career at California State University, Monterey Bay, where he worked for 19 years before retiring at age 72. Stephen took pride in building the soccer programs at North Salinas High School and Gavilan Youth Soccer League and shared his love for tennis, bowling and soccer with his children.   A skilled handyman and lifelong learner, he enjoyed woodworking, building model airplanes, reading, and keeping up with technology. Known for his calm, kind, and generous nature, he was always willing to help family, friends, and neighbors. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Maria “Penny” Schweitzer; his children, Jennifer (Brian) Jackson and Jeffrey (Karen) Schweitzer; and his cherished grandchildren, Danielle, Alexus, Joshua, Madisyn, Brian, Jessica, and Jeffrey. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Reggie Noel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas, with military honors beginning promptly at 1:00 p.m.   Cards may be mailed to:Penny Schweitzer566 Sutter StreetSalinas, CA 93906