Richard David Schwartz

1940 - 2025

Richard David Schwartz passed away on Aug. 31, 2025, in his beloved Mojave Desert in the company of his faithful dog, Lucy.
Richard was born on July 9, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Estelle Rubin and Harold Schwartz.
Richard attended the New York Military Academy and graduated from Dartmouth College in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in history.
He served in the US Army as a first lieutenant and was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, where he met his soulmate, Phyllis Rae Pierce. They were married in 1964, in New York City, later establishing their home in Princeton, New Jersey, and raising their two sons, Brad and Evan.
Richard enjoyed successful businesses in the textile manufacturing industry and pursued various entrepreneurial ventures over the course of his professional career. He loved coaching his sons on baseball and basketball teams, prioritizing sportsmanship, effort and the fun of sport.
In 1987, Richard gave in to the constant tug of the Mojave Desert, where he had visited family, Martha and Lee Johnson. He bought property on the mesa above Yucca Valley and settled there with Phyllis. They built a rich and meaningful life, immersing themselves into the natural beauty and eclectic community that surrounded them. He was passionate about supporting the local tennis program and high school team, shared his love of bridge as an avid player, and proudly led the Yucca Valley Bridge Club for many years. In between travels, Richard worked in the Yucca Valley public school system as a substitute teacher. He served on the advisory board council of the Morongo Basin Conservation Association and supported the arts community that Phyllis was deeply engaged in.
He was a lifelong blood donor for the Lifestream Blood Bank and gave countless gallons over the years.
He was dedicated to generosity, service to others and support for causes that he felt made a difference, including walking in multiple marathons to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. His love for giving is still reflected in the thriving cacti gardens of friends who benefited from his clippings to help complement their own desert landscapes.
Richard and Phyllis enjoyed traveling and experiencing new cultures. Locally, they camped throughout the Baja Peninsula and the western states, developing a love for birding. They sailed on a catamaran through the Caribbean, Panama Canal and South Pacific, assisting their friends' circumnavigation of the globe, a lifelong dream of Richard's. Returning home to the desert, however, was always where he found the most joy, vociferously reading books from the Yucca Valley Library and blanketing himself with the night sky over the Mojave. Richard became deeply involved in the Vipassana Meditation Center following his first silent retreat and was active with its eventual location in Twentynine Palms. It was no surprise that the ancient technique of responding to life with "equanimity" resonated with Richard; it was in his nature to avoid judgment and unhealthy attachment.
Time with "Pop Pop" and "Gramps," as he was affectionately known by his seven grandchildren, was always a thrill. They loved hiking with him in Joshua Tree, visiting museums, baking, playing cards and chess, and looking for his wide smile on the sidelines of their sports games.
Richard was a dedicated caregiver to Phyllis in her final years, who predeceased him in 2023. He then found companionship in his rescue dog, Lucy, who accompanied him on his daily walks. Richard is survived by his oldest son Brad, Brad's wife Nancy, grandchildren Lucas, Nadia and Elliot, and his son Evan, and grandchildren Wylie, Hayden, Weston and Leo.
He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Tracy, brother Michael, and half-brothers David and Marc.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Morongo Basin Conservation Association or the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.