Herb Schwartz

Herb Schwartz passed away at the age of 90, on Monday, September 30, 2019.  Herb was born in Chicago, to Jeanette (Simonson) and Herbert Otto Schwartz on April 24, 1929.  Herb was the first in his family to attend college.  He graduated from Purdue University in 1951.  Herb put his major in industrial engineering to good use. He was a member of the Army.  Then he had a fulfilling career at the National Security Agency.  Early on, Herb played an integral role in the design of the S building.  He married his first love, Marilyn Ada Gabriel, on January 25, 1951.  Interestingly, they were classmates in Grammar school.  They enjoyed living in their first home, an apartment in Silver Spring, which would become the home of their daughters, Diane (Jones) and Carol (Cecil Avery).  Their son, Steve (Beth Burton), was born while the family was living in their Rockville, Maryland home.  Herb helped in the design of the family’s forever home in Crownsville, Maryland.  The family joined Baldwin Hills United Methodist Church and enjoyed the sermons of Rev. Kenneth Lyons.

During Herb’s career at NSA, he found the time to join the Masons, as a Past Master.  He was often heard saying, “I’m going to the lodge!”

Also, in 1970, Herb began a business in the recreational vehicle industry.  Eventually, Happy Traveler’s would become a family business.  Herb was the president, Marilyn and Steve were the salespeople, and Beth completed DMV paperwork.  The business was sold in 1995.  At this time, Herb and Marilyn bought a lovely home in Orange City, Florida.  They shared time between both homes, and became members of the Orange City United Methodist Church.  In 2002, their Crownsville home was sold, so that he and Marilyn could make Florida their new home.  Always busy and eager to help others, Herb was Volusia County’s President of Habitat for Humanity.

Herb’s faithful and kind wife went home to be with the Lord on June 25, 2007.  Herb truly suffered during this period, and sought solace at church.  Soon, he became reacquainted with an active church member named Patricia Parker.  Pat was also a widower, soon a friendship with Herb developed.  It wasn’t long before Herb fell madly in love for the last time in his life.  Pat and Herb enjoyed ten years together.  The Schwartz family is so thankful for Pat’s strength, grace, and love of the Lord.  She maintained her positive attitude, and was always gentle and loving to Herb, even when he was angry or irritable because of his failing health.  Herb was so fortunate to have two families.  He leaves behind his daughter Diane (Jones), Carol (Cecil Avery), and Steven (Beth).  He loved all of his grandchildren deeply, and admired each child for their own uniqueness. He leaves behind Bradley and Katelyn Jones, Emily and Diane Marie Avery, and Louis and Luke Schwartz, who cherished times spent with grand pop!

Herb so enjoyed Pat’s family, including Rachel and Don Sarro, and Jessica and Amber Parker, that he considered them his very own children.  He so enjoyed spending time with his Florida grandchildren:  Katie, Christian, Olivia, and Elizabeth Sarro, and Riley Parker.

Mark 1: 11

And there was a voice from the heaven: “You are my son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”

We love you, dad, and are filled with gratitude for all of the ways you expressed your love and devotion to your family.

There will be a Memorial Service, officiated by the Rev. Kenneth Lyons, on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at Lakemont Cemetery’s chapel at 11am.