Gary J. Schwartz

Click on the tribute wall above to view Gary's video tribute. Gary J Schwartz of Trenton, MI passed away August 11, 2021 at the age of 61. He is survived by Karen, his wife of almost 38 years, children, Stacey (Derrick) Olson, Justin Schwartz, Shannon (Josh) Baynai and grandchildren, Stella Olson, Sadie Olson, and Berkley Baynai. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings Kathie (Joe) DeJack, John (Patti) Schwartz, and Cindy (Bennie) Johnson as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father and mother, Joseph and Lorraine Schwartz and brothers, Gene Schwartz and James (Rebecca) Schwartz. Gary began his professional career as a computer programmer at Ford Motor Company. After realizing sitting in an office with no windows looking at lines of code wasn’t for him, he moved on to The Stroh Brewery Company. Although he started in systems, he quickly moved into Human Resources. He would always say that was his favorite job – not to mention, the free beer and ice cream benefits. From Stroh, he moved across the river to Allied Domecq, a wine and spirits company. When his position was moved to Connecticut, he refused, for his family was here and his children were at critical ages in their school careers. After a blip in consulting, he was fortunate to spend the remainder of his professional career in his hometown as the Director of Human Resources at Trenton Public Schools. He spent nearly 15 years there before retiring in September 2017. In September 2015, Gary was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called Infiltrative Glioneuronal Tumor with Neuropil Islands. Only known to the World Health Organization since 1999, with only 49 known cases across the world. He fought through two craniotomies, chemotherapy, and radiation which led to a decline physically and cognitively throughout the years. Gary spent many years coaching travel hockey and softball, and proudly cheering on his kids at their sporting events. He loved watching football, golf, NASCAR racing, hockey, and of course, the weather. He enjoyed skiing, dining out, a cigar with his son and son-in-laws on the porch, a good rocking chair, Hawaii with a “drink of the day,” Polish church festivals, a good party, a damn good Gin & Tonic and telling others how it could be done better. He had a quick wit, was a master of sarcasm, and a historian of insignificant details. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Trenton Educational Foundation at www.trentonedfoundation.org.