John Adam Schwarz III, a 51-year resident of Rye, New York, passed away at home into God’s loving arms on Aug. 1.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 21, 1933, John was the son of Dorothy Jarrett and John Adam Schwarz Jr. He was a consummate gentleman, devoted husband and caring father, grandfather, and brother.
John was legendary for his warmth, intellect, and informed opinions that could be relied upon to be unwavering. With his immense energy, he maintained many friends all over the world who loved his humor and latest views on a broad spectrum of subjects. Most of all, he loved his family and cherished being together for countless barbecues and holidays.
After graduating from The Lawrenceville School and Duke University, Class of 1956, he served in the US Navy as a junior officer stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Serving in the Navy was among his proudest accomplishments. He then embarked on an illustrious 40-year career at Kidder Peabody, working alongside so many dear friends.
John married on June 6, 1959, at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, to Anita (Eerdmans), the love of his life for 63 years until Anita’s passing in 2023. Together they raised their five children and built a life filled with love, camaraderie, and fun. John and Anita were passionate travelers and enjoyed visiting many parts of the world over the years. Many of our fondest memories are based on the wonderful family vacations we were lucky to enjoy together. John and Anita were wonderful and well-loved grandparents to their 18 grandchildren and cheered them on at sporting events, concerts, graduations, etc. “Pa” was famous for his “frosties” that he would deliver to the delight of his grandchildren.
John was a devout parishioner at Resurrection church and an active member of the Rye community. He was an avid letter writer and regular contributor to The Rye Record for many years, sharing his funny and interesting perspectives on all aspects of life. He maintained a lifelong connection to Duke University and eagerly awaited each basketball season to watch his beloved Blue Devils. John served as president of the Duke Alumni Association, a member of the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Advisors of the Nasher Museum of Art. For 10 years, he was a trustee of the School of the Holy Child in Rye.
He was a member of Westchester Country Club, The Union League Club of New York, Sankaty Head Golf Club in Massachusetts, and Coral Beach & Tennis Club in Bermuda. John was an avid sports enthusiast and excelled at many sports including tennis, squash, and golf. John was a lifelong fan of the New York Jets and New York Mets. As a young man living in Sands Point, Long Island, he became acquainted with Bill Shea, a friend of his parents. Through Mr. Shea, John was given a ticket to attend the first Met game played in the newly built Shea Stadium in April 1964. Loyal to a fault, 42 years later in September 2008, John was again in the stands to watch the very last Met game played at Shea!
John is survived by his children: Jennifer Horne (Robert) of Rye, Adam Schwarz of Washington, D.C., Patrick Schwarz (Whitney) of Rye, Christy Schultze (George) of Rye, and Timothy Schwarz (Sarah) of Darien, Connecticut. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren: Andrew, Jarrett, and Phoebe Horne; Jackson and William Schwarz; Van, Ally, Madeline, and Sabrina Schwarz; Annabelle, Julia, Hugo, Walter, Eloise and Blaise Schultze; Sophie, Jamie and Caroline Schwarz. Also surviving him are his two sisters, Nancy McPherson and Marlene Razzetti, and brother, Arthur Schwarz, and many nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held at Graham Funeral Home from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.