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Stephen John Schwartz
Stephen John Schwartz
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Stephen Schwartz Obituary
July 16, 1956 - January 20, 2023
Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island as Roderick Stephen MacPherson, he was adopted by his loving parents Lyman and Alice Schwartz of Northampton, MA. They were so proud of the man he became.
Stephen John Schwartz attended school in Northampton, MA graduating from Northampton High School in 1974. He was on the cross-country running team, wrestling team, and played trumpet in the band. A 1977 graduate of Holyoke Community College, Stephen married his high school sweetheart Ann Donahue on August 13, 1977.
The adventures began. Their careers had them living in many cities and towns: Northampton, Easthampton, Worcester, Bellingham, Southwick, and South Hadley in Massachusetts, as well as Seminole and The Villages in Florida.
Stephen started his carrier at McDonalds and moved up to management working in Northampton, Springfield, and the Worcester area. He then switched gears to the hospitality industry, managing the Holiday Inn in Marlborough, MA and the Sheraton in Tampa, FL. From ground up, Stephen opened the Residence Inn in Clearwater, FL, earning both Hotel of the Year and Manager of the Year, working with a great team to make it all happen. He then became regional manager for Residence Inn Florida and traveled to locations across the state. Stephen moved back to Northampton, MA to take care of his father after the passing of his mother and continued his career at the Residence Inn by Marriott, New Haven, CT; Residence Inn by Marriott, Burlington, VT; Sheraton, Springfield, MA; and The Hampshire Hospitality Group in Hadley, MA and Amherst, MA. Stephen then switched gears and worked at Elms College, Chicopee, MA as Director of Operations and Campus Services. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Marlborough, MA; Clearwater, FL; and Amherst, MA.
Stephen and Ann retired early to enjoy life and moved to The Villages in Florida. They met many wonderful people over the years. He was a great people person who made lifelong friends, made folks laugh, and always had lots of great stories to tell. He was also a great speaker, organizer, and motivator of people. Stephen enjoyed, along with Ann, traveling, biking, skiing (sometimes), and was challenged at golf. He also ran half marathons in St. Petersburg, FL; Tampa, FL; and Las Vegas, NV, where he ran right down the Vegas Strip. What a wonderful journey he had through life.
He leaves his wife, Ann; brother-in-law, Art Donahue, and his wife, Mary, and his niece, Erin Donahue, from Franklin, MA; and his nephew, Sean Donahue, and his wife, Amanda, and their daughter-and Stephen's great-niece-Emma, from Norwood, MA.
He leaves family and lots of friends, who he cherished dearly and acquaintances that made life's journey a great adventure. Thank you all for making his journey so wonderful.
Stephen put up a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer for a year and nine months.
Till we meet again my love,
Your loving wife, Ann
Stephen will be buried in Northampton, MA. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephen's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org). Stephen wanted to help parents with children who have cancer.
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Kathryn James
January 17, 2025
Ann,
I can´t believe it has been two years. I still have so many very fond memories of Steve
Cameron Lane
July 17, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Steve's passing, Ann - and my thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Steve was such an important part of my life. For the not long enough time that we worked together, he was my mentor, my guide, my personal comedian, and a friend.
There are so many times that I think about him - and as is so often the case, my good intentions to try to get in touch got lost in the shuffle. But the influence he had on me is not one to be forgotten. If nothing else, he bought me my first AAA membership many years - every time I renew it and more importantly every time I USE it, I think of him with Gratitude!
I will treasure his memory and all that he did for me.
All the best,
Cameron
Dean Maki
July 17, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss Ann. I just learned of Stephen's passing yesterday when I saw heavenly birthday wishes on fb. It feels like it wasn't that long ago he was encouraging my running with stories of his 10+ mile runs. So sad. I would consider Stephen my most influential work mentor ever. The way I approach new changes and my day to day tasks are so much easier for the things he taught me at hojo's in Hadley. He was one of a kind. So funny, kind & nice and will be deeply missed. I am very saddened today. So sorry again.
John Lambdin
July 16, 2023
I did not know until now. I always counted Steve as a friend ever since we met at Elms College. He was one of the people who made the Elms a wonderful place to be and he will always be remembered fondly there. We lost touch after I retired in 2019 and I did not know he was ill. May the love of friends and family bring you strength and comfort. Know that he was well-loved and remembered by all who knew him. John Lambdin, formerly Social Sciences Division chair Elms College.
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Dave Downs
March 24, 2023
Ann, so sorry to hear of Stevens passing. Thanks for letting me know. Take care of yourself!
Terry Carr
February 25, 2023
Ann, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Sorry for your loss. Love and prayers.
edward obrien
February 25, 2023
Ann,
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Steve at the Elms.
I was just trying to get in touch with Steve to see if we could get together. Its been about 18 years since we last were together.
You and Steve are in my prayers.
Ed OBrien
Lorrie Hoessler
February 10, 2023
Ann, I was saddened to hear of Stephen's passing.
I met you and Stephen only briefly when my longtime home became your summer retreat in S.H. Mass. Just in that short meeting Stephen exuded a outgoing, friendly, and pleasant personality. May the many years of wonderful memories together bring you strength and comfort.
Lorrie Hoessler
Nel Sachsenmaier
February 7, 2023
Ann, I am so sad to hear about the passing of Stephen.
Even though we were neighbors for a short time, he made quite an impression on me with his great smile and always willing to lend a helping hand.
A wonderful man I will never forget is gone too soon.
Wishing you comfort, peace and healing at this difficult time.
Nel Sachsenmaier
Pete Russell
February 7, 2023
Sad to hear of Stephen passing. I first met Stephen in St Petersburg Florida where he was the general manager of the Residence Inn. He rapidly became a regional manager in Florida. Our friendship grew over the years and continued to stay in touch over 35 years.
Ann I´m so sorry for your loss. Stephen was a good man and friend. Pete Russell.
Wayne McCary
January 30, 2023
As a member of the board of trustees at the Elms I came to know and respect Steve. The college was the beneficiary of his expertise and outgoing personality. It was always a pleasure as well as a learning experience to be in his company.
May he rest in the peace he deserves and may Annn and his entire family gain strength in the great memories of his life so well lived
Kathryn James
January 28, 2023
Ann,
I was so deeply saddened to learn of Steve´s passing. My deepest condolences to you and to your family. I worked with Steve at Elms. He was simply a delightful person! He will be missed so much.
Gloria Clark
January 25, 2023
Although I only knew Steve a short time I will miss his ever present smile and courage thru difficult days.
Kathy Halpin-Robbins
January 25, 2023
My deepest condolences, Ann, to you and your family. I worked with Steve for several years at Elms College. He shared his smile and sense of humor with everyone, and I could always count on Steve to bring a bit of humor into every situation.
A life taken much too soon. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrea Neill
January 25, 2023
Steve was such a comical presence on the Elms Campus. His famous saying was always do it first and ask for forgiveness later. We will miss his upbeat attitude, humor, and his colorful stories.
Joe marois
January 25, 2023
Ann. Now starts a new journey. May God give you strength. I will miss this remarkable man. Love Joe Marois
Ed Lasinski
January 24, 2023
I will miss Stephen very much. He was my neighbor and good friend he was there to do anything for you and was friendly with everyone. He always had a smile . on his face, and he was willing to help everyone. God bless you, Stephen. We will all see you soon.
Trudy Laramee
January 24, 2023
Steve was one of those people you will never forget. He will always bring a smile to my face just by thinking of him.
I/WE, all loved Steve so much at Elms College. It was always a pleasure running in to him. Never a dull moment. He had us all in stitches.
Ann, my heart goes out to you. Steve was taken away too early from us, but we have so many good memories of him. He was extraordinary in every way.
Steve told me a long time ago about his early stages in life and his original name, Roderick MacPherson. I was never quite sure if I could believe this, but now I know for sure. He started life in an extraordinary way. So typical for him.
With deepest sympathy,
Trudy "Troodles", (per Steve) Laramee
Susan Tavernier
January 23, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss Ann. Prayers for comfort during this time for you and your family.
Susan Lacey Tavernier
BRIE NICOL
January 23, 2023
Stephen will be truly missed by all. A wonderful human that always kept everyone laughing. I've known Stephen since the day I was born and I had no clue his name was actually Roderick! We love you so much, Annie!
Nancy Raley
January 23, 2023
When I think of Stephen, I see that warm smile and sense of humor. He always made everyone feel good. Stephen and Jim loved to play pranks on each other, all in the name of good fun. I know he and Jim are already planning the next prank they can do to each other in heaven.
So blessed to be Stephen and Ann´s next door neighbors in The Villages.
Ann, my heart goes out to you. Know that I am always here for you.
Love, Nancy Raley
Cynthia Dressel Henderson
January 23, 2023
My sincere condolences to Anne and her family for the loss of a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Jean Warburton Powers
January 23, 2023
Stephen, RIP. I have known you my whole life, being neighbors, going to schools, same class! We lost touch somewhere, but I can always say,you were my Friend!
I send blessings to your wife, Ann.
Good bye my old Friend till we meet again! Love Jean Warburton Powers
Bridie xxx
January 23, 2023
Such deep condolences to Ann, Art Mary Sean Amanda & Emma & all the family on the passing of Stephen RIP. May his gentle soul rest in peace & May the very memories that now invoke tears supply a lifetime of happy memories . All my love thoughts prayers & hugs. Bridie xxxx
Brian Davies
January 23, 2023
My condolences to the family,
I grew up with Stephen in Northampton and have many memories of shooting hoops at his house or sleeping over in the backyard and sneaking out late at night to get into mischief.
My deepest sympathy to all.
debbiekennedy
January 23, 2023
Sorry for your loss .I feel a l saddnes that we did,nt meet I,ll keep you in my prayers!!!
Mary & Charlie Klepacki
January 23, 2023
Our hearts were so sad to hear of the passing of Stephen. We had so many memories in our young youthful age. Working at McDonald´s and meeting many of our spouses there were some of my greatest stories. Stephen always had a smile and I always had something wonderful to say to you. Ann and Stephen were so Lucky to have each other for so many memorable years. You will always be remembered in our hearts
Steve and Lynne Walach
January 23, 2023
Steve and Lynne Walach
January 23, 2023
Steve and Lynne Walach
January 23, 2023
Steve and Lynne Walach
January 23, 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of our longtime friend. We became friends early in life and enjoyed reconnecting just a few short years ago. He always had a smile, a positive outlook, and a passion for living his life with Ann. Until we meet again
Steve and Lynne Walach
Ave
January 23, 2023
Annie, Stephen will always be in your heart and all memories you have. I hope those memories bring you comfort and make you smile. Love Always Avie
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