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Donald Schwartz Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Schwartz
Ron Loomis
April 9, 2025
Ron loomis. I served with gunner Schwartz det a and det b he was a inspiration to me working maintance control vmaq2
Gary Weigel
August 29, 2020
To the family of major Schwartz. My name is Gary Weigel. And I had the privilege of serving under Gunner Schwartz with VMAQ2 from 1975-1976. He was loved by all his marines because he was an old school marine who knew how to be a good leader. I’m writing this on August 29 2020.
Lt Col Gregg Horstman, USMC (Ret)
November 24, 2008
I just found out about Don's passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends. There was no better Marine than Don. I was a squadron Maintenance Control Officer in Hawaii, when Don was the MAG 24 AMO - and Don gave us phenomenal support. If you cared about fixing and flying aircraft, and taking care of Marines, there wasn't ANYTHING Don wouldn't do to support you. There were many late nights at the squadron when Don would show up at the hangar on his moped to see how things were going and check to make sure we had what we needed to get the job done. I remember him telling us that nobody at MAG 24 Maintenance could tell us "no" except him. And I liked that he worked hard and played hard - his jokes left me rolling on the floor. I think of Don often and remember the many things that I learned from him that helped me throughout my career. Don will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Dan Quinn
November 2, 2008
To the family,
I went to high school (Weymouth South) with Joe, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I never met your father but from the obituary he sounded like a great man, and a great Marine.
Semper Fi
GySgt Dan Quinn
Todd Scott
September 25, 2008
To the Schwartz Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Just reading the guest book comments one can only begin to see how great this man was. He was incredible friend, and what appears to be an outstanding Marine. I never knew the Marine side; all I knew was the friend and a guy that always was there for my family.
I am now 26 years old, but I met him when my family was moving to Troy, Alabama when I was 11 and entering 6th grade. Mom (Nancy) had to return to Florida to wrap up all the grown-up business - that I was unaware of at the time. So it was me, my two brothers (Eric and Brent), my father – Tony Scott, and Mr. Mom (Mr. Schwartz).
First time I saw him was in a frame. There was this picture in his apartment, he was out of town at the time, and would not be back until late that night. I spent the few hours looking at pictures he had around his apartment, especially the one of him standing next to a llama (supposedly it escaped in Troy so he took a picture with it). The guy looked crazy! Giving thumbs up next to a llama?? I thought this guy had to be “one of a kind”. Boy I was not prepared for how right I would be. [Later that night he came home and helped me defeat my brothers in Poker].
I don’t think there has been another that has had such an impact on my life that is not in my immediate family. Other then my Dad, no passing has had me grieving someone so much. To say the least, at the time I was a struggling student in middle school, barely making a C. Mr. Schwartz would have none of that. He helped me with any school project (at times getting all of Sikorsky to help him- help me). I don’t think he would ever get off my back about anything. Well finally, I made the Honor Roll – The next day there was a big sign in the yard – TODD CAN DO!! I have to say that when my life gets hard I still use that saying. He never called me Todd really though – Just “Toddster”.
There were other things – he checked me out of school one day to just hang out. We went and bought a nice shirt, ate at Krystals, [even though he hated how slow I ate, fastest eater I have ever seen], and probably went home to clean the house. Boy did Mr. Schwartz like a clean house. I think I know how that guy became a Major, he would take nothing from nobody – especially his cleaning crew (The 3 Brothers). In no way did that stop me from pranks – turning off the water when he was pressure washing, etc.
You could tell he loved us, we loved him. Here are a few more things (of MANY) that are priceless memories for me:
-I once asked him “I wonder how people found out what plants were edible, and how many people tried stuff that weren’t good – like this tree here”. The tree had some green buds hanging off of them. He ate the bud…. And replied “Not Bad”.
-We would bet football games with him. My brother a six pack of Mellow Yellow on the Dolphins, and me $5.00 on a Noon game… But it would be 4:00 when I would make the bet. I knew the winner! Would bet, and Monday come collecting for my $.
- After being away from Troy, Alabama for a few years he came back on business with a friend/co-worker (Male). He was not in town very long, and I barely got to see him, but the night before they left I wrote “Just Married” on the back of his Durango. While on the Sides writing he was the Bride, and the other guy was the Groom. Well, he left a message on my voicemail that only he could leave as one can imagine.
No, I didn’t know the tough Marine, but I did know somebody that was able to make others succeed in life. If a day went by and he didn’t threaten to “Stick a Boot Up My “Exterior”” I knew I was doing something that was wrong. Even though the phone calls would be only once a year after he moved back North, I knew if I ever needed him he would be right there.
Often times when leaving our house, or on other occasions he would look at me and say “Who Loves Ya?” He didn’t have to say that – we never doubted that for a second Mr. Schwartz.
We Love You Too…
Todd-ster Scott
Stephen Mills
September 25, 2008
Dear Pat, Patty & Joey - We were so saddened to hear of your loss. We will always remember the great times in Hawaii with your family. Don was truly special and will always be remembered with utmost respect. Please accept our condolences and may you remember all the good times with Don. Semper Fi, my friend. Our deepest sympathy - Steve & Jane Mills
Steve Hickey, Major USMC Ret.
September 23, 2008
To the Schwartz Family
My condolences and prayers go out to you during this period of grief. Don was a great Marine, Aviation Maintenance Officer and friend. What was especially gratifying was that he actually enjoyed working with us Aviation Supply guys.
He and Fred Anthes were an unbeatable team at Mag 24.
They broke the mold after Don left the Marine Corps.
In the following years I was fortunate enought to cross his path while he worked for Sikorsky and the H-60 program.
Not to mention the couple of beers we hoisted together.
Semper Fi
Joseph Macdonald
September 23, 2008
I am a former Marine,(1977-81 active and 1990-94 reserve),who didn't serve with the Major, but nonetheless, I knew him, as I know all Marines. Thank you Major, and "Semper-Fi" God Bless you. SGT Mac
John Tomulevich
September 23, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
TAMMY RUGGIERO
September 23, 2008
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME I'M WORTH IT. YOU SAVED MY LIFE.
Bruce Wise MSgt (Ret)
September 22, 2008
My sincerest condolences to the Schwartz family. Some of my best memories in the Corps, were from being stationed at MAG 49, So.Weymouth working for the Major. We worked hard and we played hard. Under his leadership, we made unbelievable accomplishments for being a reserve air group.
I remember all the jokes we use to play on him, like making a fish aquarium out of his top desk drawer, or the laughing boxes George Curtis gave the crew chiefs, to call the Major when ever we were away from the base. It use to drive the Major nuts trying to catch George with one of those boxes, at the time, never did he realize that it wasn't just George. Beyond the jokes, the Major always held us to the highest standards in what ever we did. It was truly an Honor and a pleasure to have served with the Major. To me, a quote from Ronald Regan best describes Major Don Schwartz. "Most people go through their entire life wondering if they made a difference in the world, MARINES don't have that problem"! Don, You made one hell of a Difference. God speed!
Semper Fi
Fran Curnow Col USMCR Ret
September 22, 2008
To the Family of Don Schwartz: My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Don was my maintenance Off back in USMC reserve days at S. Weymouth.Later we worked at Sikorsky together. As a Pilot I knew Don would always keep[ the squadron in the air..more importantly He took care of every Marine all the time, Semper Fi
Jim Fong MGYSGT (Ret)
September 22, 2008
My sincerest condolences to the Schwartz family. Don was always the Marine's Marine. I had the pleasure of having worked for Don while he was with MAG-49 at NAS So. Weymouth with the HML-771 unit. On behalf of all the former members of HML-771 please accept our deepest sympathy on your lost.
Mike Hester
September 22, 2008
Dear Schwartz family,
I was deeply saddened by the news of your loss but it did bring back fond memories of our time at Norwich. I hope you know I have nothing but the greatest respect for the man and the superb family he was lucky to have surrounding him.
LTC Mike Hester
LtCol Jim Griffin (Ret)
September 22, 2008
Pat and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences, you will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Don was a Great American, and for anyone who knew him - he will never be forgotten.
Semper Fidelis
This is my youngest daughter Lucy Jane, (four years old) and me.
Valerie Lambeth O'Neil
September 22, 2008
Dear Schwartz Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Even though it has been more years than I care to recall, I think of each one of you lovingly and with the fondest of memories. The time we spent in Hawaii will always be special to me because of your family! I remember spending the night in your home and doing just about everything with you all during those three years. Those memories are some of my happiest. You made me feel like one of your family and I thank you for that. I send you all, hugs and kisses and my deepest sympathies at this time of great loss. Many prayers and blessings to you all.
Frank and Mary Fasoli
September 22, 2008
Pat, Patty and Joe ;
Our deepest condolences. How difficult it is to say good bye to your husband, father and friend. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and as promised to Don we will watch over, take care and keep his memory alive with his grandsons, Joey and Nicholas.
AO1 Arthur Hapenney
September 21, 2008
Deepest Sympathy
Allen & Connie O'Donnell
September 21, 2008
To the Family
you are all in our throught and prayers. Don will be missed but us all
Weymouth Resident
September 21, 2008
Thank you for your service to our Country, Mr. Schwartz! To his family, I offer my sincerest condolences, Heaven has gained an outstanding Angel!
OOH RAH Mr. Schwartz, and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
September 21, 2008
To Dons family,
Thank You for allowing us into your home to spend time with Don the last couple of months. How do I thank a man that saved my life, because of him I am a husband, father,son and brother. I will carry his message of Experiance Strength and Hope and this was his message,
NEVER LOOK DOWN ON ANYONE UNLESS YOU ARE REACHING OUT YOUR HAND TO HELP THEM UP!
Thank you Don for helping me up!
Thank You God for Don S.
Love,
John A.
Robert Duerden
September 20, 2008
For those of us who served with Don Schwartz, I'm sure all will agree that we will never see the likes of him again. He could bring out the best in his Marines by sheer inspiration and motivation. I never met a Marine who knew Don Schwartz and who wouldn't willingly follow him through the very gates of Hell.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Semper Fidelis,
Bob Duerden MGySgt (Ret)
Green Valley, AZ
Tom "Scooter" Howard
September 20, 2008
The family and friends of Don Swartz.
This is one hell of a Marine. I was stationed with Don at South Weymouth from 1979-1983. You had to be on your toes around the good Major as he would hit you with the bat he would always carry around. In with such good company as George Curtis we all had one great tour. I remember once Don was on leave and George having all the crew chiefs unravel hundreds of 16mm film reels in Don’s office, of course once Don returned and saw his office he immediately went after George with his bat! Don would ALWAYS protect his Marines of which he was admirably proud of. This Marine I will meet at heavens gate!!
Tom Howard
SgtMaj (Ret)
“Scooter”
Mike Casey
September 20, 2008
Maj. Schwartz,
Sir, as a fellow Marine I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the USMC-especially in Vietnam and also your countless hours of work with the Marine Toys For Tots Program. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Mike Casey USMC '85-'89
Marc and Kathy Nantel
September 20, 2008
Our most sincere condolence to the Schwartz family during this difficult moment. Don was one of a kind, always the first to help others and never taking any credit for his help. He loved living life to the fullest and never looking back. We will all miss a great person who touched so many people in so many ways. God Bless.
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