Ralph Grayson Schwarz

Ralph Schwarz was the best of friends and a dedicated historian who helped me with my research on Bethlehem, Nazareth and New Harmony. He allowed me to stay at his place whenever he had the opportunity to do so. I enjoyed every moment with him talking about Charles-Alexandre Lesueur, William Maclure and Robert Owen. You will always be in my heart.

Ralph was a Leonardo da Vinci of a man who will be remembered affectionately by those who met him only once or twice and those who lived in his communities and knew him and stayed in contact for fifty years or more. Impossible to describe his profound humanity and intellectual life. I am glad my time on earth overlapped to an extent with his. Donald Yates, Colorado

Ralph Schwarz was a very special man. Brilliant and so full of knowledge. I enjoyed stopping to say hello when he sat in the Atrium reading The New York Times. He was always ready to listen to you. I visited many times over in the health care center, and most of the time you would not have know he was ill. His mind was sharp until the end. His legacy will live on, I will truly miss him. Miriam Devey

We offer our condolences. We pray in your behalf, and we offer the hope of welcoming back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29

The phrase 'a gentleman and a scholar' fits Ralph perfectly. He probably knew and associated with more famous people than anyone in the Valley ... but he never flaunted that. He was quick to praise others, reluctant to receive applause. He not only knew history, he appreciated it and could place so much of 'now' in the context of 'then.' His effect for good in Bethlehem can scarcely be measured, and will surely be missed. I'll miss our lunches, coffees, and conversations. I'll miss you....

Ralph was the founder and director of the original Lehigh Music Festival, 1948-1949. He preserved, organized and donated all the related files to his Alma Mater, Lehigh. We will never forget his generosity, enthusiasm and energy.

Without Ralph Schwarz and his vision, all the historic preservation that has happened in Bethlehem in the last sixty years might not have happened. The land between the Hotel Bethlehem and the Monocacy Creek was an automobile graveyard with discarded cars piled deep. He was instrumental in seeing the potential in historic preservation and did a lot to make it happen. In Bethlehem we do not understand how much we owe to Ralph Schwarz, a true mover and shaker for good. May he rest in peace.

Ralph was a cherished client for 18 years after he met me when I was working at Burnside Plantation. I considered him one of my mentors and working with him on his numerous apartments and his house was an honor. He was also a good friend. When he learned that my wife Annie and I were starting the Lehigh Valley Green Builders he was quick to join and I was proud to have his name on our list of founding members.. One of his other projects not listed was the UN Plaza. He was a visionary and one...