M. William "Bill" Schwartz

M. William “Bill” Schwartz, MD, passed away peacefully from natural causes on March 13, 2026, at the age of 90. A devoted physician, teacher, husband, father, and grandfather, Bill lived a life defined by service to children, dedication to education, and deep commitment to family and friends.

Bill was born in 1935 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, to Harry and Sylvia Schwartz, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Richard “Dick” Schwartz and Elisabeth Schwartz King.

He graduated from high school in 1953 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and went on to attend Lafayette College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1957. Bill received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1961.

Following medical school, he completed his internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in 1962, then returned to Philadelphia to complete his residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 1964.

During this time, Bill met the love of his life, Susan Goldner Schwartz. After being set up on two blind dates, they quickly realized they were meant for each other. They were married in Philadelphia in 1964 and shared nearly sixty years of marriage before Susan’s passing in 2024.

Bill entered military service in the United States Air Force, serving as a Captain and base pediatrician at George Air Force Base from 1965 to 1967. While stationed there, Bill and Susan welcomed their first son, David Schwartz, in 1966.

After returning to Philadelphia, Bill completed a nephrology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia under the mentorship of David Cornfeld. In 1969, Bill and Susan welcomed their second son, Charles Schwartz.

Over the course of a distinguished career spanning several decades, Bill became a Full Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania. He published numerous research studies and authored multiple editions of pediatric textbooks. He also served in key administrative roles, including Assistant Department Chair and Assistant Dean of Primary Care. His legacy continues through an annual Grand Rounds lecture series at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia named in his honor.

While his scholarly contributions were significant, Bill’s greatest passion was teaching. He loved working with medical students and residents and taught hundreds of young physicians throughout his career. In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to education, he received the prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1978. Many of his former students and residents remained close friends throughout his life, and he inspired countless physicians to grow in their careers and become leaders in their fields.

His dedication to children and families extended beyond the hospital walls, He was an advocate for families that slipped through the cracks. In addition to financially supporting , he served on the board for numerous years of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia.

Bill is survived by his sons, David Schwartz and Charles Schwartz. David is the owner of Sophy Curson Boutique in Philadelphia. Charles followed in his father’s medical footsteps and serves as a pediatrician and Regional Medical Director with the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Charles is married to Brandie Schwartz.

Bill was an immensely proud grandfather to Mitchell Schwartz and Caroline Schwartz. Mitchell is a third-generation physician currently training at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, and Caroline is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

After retiring from pediatrics, Bill embraced one of the roles he cherished most—being a grandfather. He delighted in attending sporting events and dance recitals and remained actively involved in both grandchildren’s schools and religious education.

Bill and Susan shared a deep love of travel and a special appreciation for Native American art, making annual summer trips to Santa Fe for many years. They were constant travel partners, exploring destinations throughout the United States, Europe, and Israel. As his grandchildren grew older, Bill treasured traveling with wife Susan, Charles, Brandie, Mitchell and Caroline sharing memorable trips to Charleston, Utah, London, Paris, Rome, and Florence.

Bill discovered a lasting passion for needlepoint; a craft first shared with him by his mother. He took great pride in crafting intricate pieces featuring Native American designs, trains, and especially his favorite subjects—his dogs and “grand-dogs.”

For more than five decades, Bill spent his summers at the family home in Loveladies, New Jersey, on Long Beach Island. He cherished sailing on Barnegat Bay and never tired of watching the breathtaking sunsets from his back deck. Bill and Susan were passionate supporters of the arts, regularly attending local performances by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Opera, the Barnes Museum, and the Philadelphia Flower Show. They also loved taking the train to New York City for Sunday Broadway matinees with their son David, creating some of their most treasured family memories.

Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his patients, and his friends. He was known for his quick wit and subtle humor, often saying that he teased those he loved most. He was a thoughtful listener, a wise advisor, a devoted mentor to generations of young physicians, and a loyal friend to all who knew him. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, the countless students he taught, the patients he cared for, and the family he loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made on Bill’s behalf to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia, 345 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.

A celebration of life will be held later this spring to honor Bill’s remarkable legacy.

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