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Benjamin Schwartzman Obituary
Benjamin Schwartzman, age 19, of Schererville, IN, passed away Monday, October 15, 2007. He is survived by his loving mother, Debra Flanagan; loving father, Ed Schwartzman; sister, Hayley; maternal grandparents: Tom and Dolly Flanagan; paternal grandparents: Robert and Shirley Schwartzman; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Ben was a graduate of Lake Central High School Class of 2007 and was attending Purdue University Calumet Campus. He was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. There was no one he ever met that he didn't like and everyone who met Ben loved him. His talent and passion were singing and playing his guitar and he was an accomplished lyricist. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 17, 2007 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwest Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition c/o Tri-City Mental Health, 3903 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, IN 46312.
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Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Schwartzman
Sponsored by The Hilson-Morrow Family-Voncile, Monique,Tony.
Gray Stephenson
October 18, 2009
Ben,
I never knew you, but I met your father, Ed, when I played a show at his restaurant. He told us about you, and played us your music. He loves you so much, and... if only you could hear him talk about you. You are lucky to have had a father like that. Your music was fantastic. Beyond fantastic, especially for your age... I think that the world really lost something beautiful when you died, and I can only hope that I can meet you in some other life.
Your music sticks with me Ben, and what your father said does too. I never knew you or met you, but somehow... I miss you.
July 23, 2009
thinking of you still. i hope you are resting in peace in a happier place!
much love
kristina stuebe
melida & andy levin
May 20, 2009
Our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michele Stein
October 21, 2008
Thinking of your family at this time and wanted to let you know that you all are still in my thougths and prayers.
Kristina Stuebe
August 22, 2008
Ben,
I don't know what it was that made me think of how much i miss you, but i've been thinking about you and your family a lot lately. I know you are in a better place and you are watching over all of us, but its still hard to come to terms with the fact that someone that ive been friends with since first grade isn't here with me anymore. I just wanted to let you know im thinking of you and still praying for your family. Thanks for all the memories i have of you!! i keep your memory and smile in my heart!
with love
kristina
Dana Wold
May 8, 2008
Ben, I love you.. I miss you so much. it's all hitting me so bad right now. you were my everything. you told me you'd never let go.
Barry Cindy Blane
February 3, 2008
Dear Debbie, Ed & Hayley,
Cindy and I just heard the tragic news of Ben.
Although many years have passed since our boys played soccer together it is easy to remember special people.
Our deepest sympathy. Our prayers will continue for Ben and his family.
Barry, Cindy and Randy Blane
Shirley Shwartzman
December 6, 2007
Dear Ben,
We are so lucky to have your wonderful music, We proudly share it with our friends, We prooudly talk of your sweetness and how fortunate we were to share 19 years of memories. We will always have you in our hearts. Lucky granny she can hold you close now. We will always feel your love.
grandma Shirley and Grandpa Bob
Mike Kartman
November 13, 2007
Dear Ed, Haley and Debbie;
Our prayers go out to you at this time in hope that you can find peace at this time. Although the years and miles have separated us for a long, long time we are all deeply saddened and feel that we are all connected in this painful loss.
Magnified and sanctified be G-d's great name in the world which He created according to His will. May he establish His kingdom during our lifetime and during the lifetime of Israel. Let us say, Amen.
May G-d's great name be blessed forever and ever.
Blessed, glorified, honored and extolled, adored and acclaimed be the name of the Holy One, though G-d is beyond all praises and songs of adoration which can be uttered. Let us say, Amen.
May there be peace and life for all of us and for all Israel. Let us say, Amen.
Let He who makes peace in the heavens, grant peace to all of us and to all Israel. Let us say, Amen.
With love,
Michael, Danny and Brian Kartman,
Beth Ann Grossman
Dolly Flanagan
November 7, 2007
Dear Benny:
We'd like to share this with all parents and grandparents:
A LETTER FROM GOD:
"I'll lend you for a little while a child of Mine," He said.
For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be 6 or 7 years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms and gladden you, and shall his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memory as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say:
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we"ll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
forever grateful stay:
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."
Much love, my darling,
G'ma & Pap-pap Flanagan
Debra Silvert
October 29, 2007
B"H
Dear Debbie, Ed, and Haley,
We were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of your terrible tragedy with Ben, A"H (May he rest in peace). Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We only knew Ben as a little guy, but reading the guest book really showed us what a great guy he grew up to be. We're so, so sorry you've lost him at such a young age. May your beautiful memories bring you comfort,
Fondly,
Mike, Deb, Jared, Miri, Rani & Kaile Silvert
The one and only, Ben Schwartzman.
October 29, 2007
So happy to graduate!
October 29, 2007
Hayley and Ben Summer '07
October 29, 2007
Patricia and Harold Therault
October 28, 2007
To the entire Schwartzman family:
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. This tragedy is something no parent should have to endure. May God guide you and comfort you at this time and always.
Shirley Schwartzman
October 28, 2007
Dear Ben, My lamps came on 3 days in a row....so I know Granny is with you. We are thankful we shared good times together. We will alwaays love you. We keep playing your music. Grandma and Grandpa
Hayley Camalick
October 27, 2007
Hi Ben,
I know we just met this semester and we only had a chance to hang out once, but it breaks my heart so much to know that I won't see you in class anymore. You were one of the nicest, sweetest, most sincere people I've ever met. I can't even begin to say enough good things about you. I wish that I had gotten to know you better, but just meeting you and knowing you for the short time that I did was a blessing in itself. I'm sure you would have gone really far with your music career, but I guess God had bigger plans for you. It's sad to have lost such an angel, but now Heaven's gained another. Keep watch over your family & friends. We all miss you..
To Ben's family:
Words cant express the pain i have in my heart for you. I am truly sorry, from the bottom of my heart, for your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences. You are in my prayers every night. God bless.
Love,
-Hayley-
Cindy Reece (Monix)
October 24, 2007
Debbie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. You and your family are in my prayers.
David Blustein
October 24, 2007
Dear Ed and family, We are so sorry to learn of the terrible loss that you are facing now. We are thinking of you with concern and with empathy.
David Blustein and family (Boston, MA)
Michele, Brianne & Ryan Stein
October 23, 2007
Dear Ed, Debbie & Hayley,
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of your friends and family and the beautiful memories of Ben help you through this difficult time.
richard blustein
October 23, 2007
Ed,
I am really sorry for you and your family.
Cousin Rich and family
Michael Mustafa
October 23, 2007
To the loving family of Ben, I just wanted to let you know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed Schwartzman
October 23, 2007
For now - all I can say is we are overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and support we have received as a result of Ben's suicide.
Our goal now is give his life meaning - to be able to use his words and his spirit to help others who are struggling.
No one really had any idea how many people Ben touched.
I will post more shortly - but for now - please know that Ben is at peace - and his songs and his beautiful spirit will live on in our hearts.
We are grateful for all of your love...
Stay strong...
Ed Schwartzman - the extremely proud father of Ben.
Ryan Michaels
October 22, 2007
Ben you were my little brother, and I couldn't have loved you more. I want to show my love towards all of Ben's family, and friends. I'll miss you forever!
Jennifer Davis
October 21, 2007
Schwartzman Family...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this very difficult time.
Jennifer and Jason Davis and Family
Paul Joseph
October 21, 2007
To Ed, Debbie, Haley and all your families,
My heart goes out to all of you. Never did I think another member of our family would have to go through this nightmare.You guys did all could to keep Ben safe from his personal demons, sometimes there is just nothing we can do. Know he has found the peace he was looking for, it is just you guys that are left with the questions, the pain, and the heartache. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Brother, chauffeur, love that smile!
October 21, 2007
Vada Schuckers
October 20, 2007
Dolly, Tom, and Family,
The last time I saw Ben was at his Bar Mitzvah, but his proud grandparents spoke of him frequently. You and your family are not alone in your sorrow. I offer my deepest condolences and will keep you in my prayers.
Alex and Kris Aikens
October 20, 2007
Ed and Family,
We can't begin to understand how difficult this time is for all of you. We can only hold you close in our hearts and prayers and hope that you feel the strong arms of God comforting you right now. And though nothing can soften this hard time, Ben is at peace and with Him! If there is anything we can do just let us know. It's hard to be so far away at times like these but you are close in our hearts. The kids all send their love and deepest sympathies Ed. God bless and keep you all.
Nicole Lappin
October 20, 2007
To the Schwartzman Family:
Hello. I just met Ben this semester we had Spanish class together - we were planning on writing a song in Spanish for our midterm project and singing and playing for the class. I'm a fellow musician so we started chatting immediately. Ben and I sat on his trunk and played guitar together after class, shared some original songs, the last song he played for me was "Can't you see." It was really enjoyable to sing together for all in the parking lot to hear! I've known Ben only a short while but I looked forward to seeing him every class. Like many others have said, he always put a smile on my face! What a sweet, sweet boy. I am very sorry for your loss, best wishes to you all.
Ben at the Blue Room
October 19, 2007
Tim Conneen
October 19, 2007
Ben,
You will be missed. You touched so many people and your friends love you dearly. You will always be in their hearts.
To Ben's Family,
Ben was a wonderful kid. We always enjoyed his visits. He was a great friend and meant so much to our son and the rest of his close friends. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
The Conneen family
Sam Schlesinger
October 18, 2007
Ben,
You were like a second big brother to me. You were a great person, and you will always have a place in my heart.
To the Schwartzman family:
You have my deepest sympathy, and I am so sorry.
Andy Mead
October 18, 2007
Ben,
You and I had a few disagreements along the way of the short two years that I knew you. Granted we resolved them in an extremely timely manner, I cant help but feel that I could have been a better friend to you. Your music was and forever will be nothing short of phenominal. It is immortalized in our hearts and minds. I dont really know what else to say. You have inspired me to write a new song. I tried to attirbute some of your guitar in there...I wear a bandana on my arm in your memory.I am pleased to have met your aquaintence good sir...
To the Scwartzman Family,
I`m so, so deeply sorry that this has happened. But the good and light will shine through it. It will bring people closer and make them realize how fragile this life is and to live every moment as if it were on purpose . It will help the poet,the song writer and the listeners and readers as it has helped me. I leave you with my deepest sympathies and one giant hug.
I love you Dana, keep your head up darling.
Sincerely and God Bless,
Andy Mead
Diane Vuich
October 18, 2007
Dear Debbie,
Although we may not have seen or spoken to each other for many years, our sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Butch and Diane
Nicole Malo
October 18, 2007
Ben,
You were such an amazing person and musician. Whenever I heard you play, you left me in awe. Your personality and talent could light up a room, and turn the deepest frowns to smiles. You will always hold a special place in my heart, and will always be remembered.
Monique Morrow
October 18, 2007
I know Ben because his mother and my mother are the bestest friends! More like sisters. Ben was my family one of the sweeties cousins I have. Even thought this is a sad day (Oct 15th) Ben would have never wanted use to feel sarrow. LIVE and REJOICE his grace and present that we all got to know and love.
Dear,
Hayley, Auntie Debbie and Uncle ED!
Ben was such a wonderful person and son. He was so wodnerful he left foot prints on my heart! I love you all sooooo much and miss Ben even more then ever. I wish I could have been there for you all. But I know my mother took care of everyone. And you all have been in my prayers every day and will remain there every day. Hayley please stay strong for your brother! Every day I pray for the streath that you and we all need at this time.
Love you all!
Ben I love and miss you more then words can say.
Mike Wolinsky
October 18, 2007
Schwartzman Family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I feel your pain.
May G-d give you the strength to move forward and make a difference in the lives of others.
Regards,
Mike Wolinsky
Carmel, Indiana
Rose Reyes
October 18, 2007
To the Schwartzman Family,
Though we did not know you personally...we know you because my sister Martha was Ben and Haley's sitter when they were little. And you are fellow Plum Creek neighbors. God keep you close at this time of sorry. Ben sounds like a wonderful person, may he rest in peace. Your Neighbors in Plum Creek.
The Vasquez Family
October 18, 2007
The Schwartzman Family,
So sorry for your loss. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ashley Marlene Mielcarek Family
October 18, 2007
To Ben's Family,
With Love, From,
Ashley Marlene's Family,
The cold depth of your pain
may rival wonderful warm memories
of Ben at this time of loss,
but... one day,
you will regain your emotions
and the spirit of who Ben was
and the lives that he touched
through his own life and music
will continue on remarkably!
We are so sorry that Ben's journey
has ended here. Our paths crossed
briefly, but our encounter was one
of pleasure. He was a gentleman,
charming, artistic & charismatic.
The gift he gave to us of his
music has been and will always
be special, as kindred hearts are.
May you look,
and may you see,
the many blessings
your son cast upon others
during his time here!
Thank you!
From One Artist's
Family to Another,
Our Love,
Andrew, Marlene
Ashley Marlene & Andrew
Mielcarek
Matt Rompca
October 18, 2007
Hey Ben! I remember right before I left for the Air Force you were playing at the Potbelly's in Highland. I was glad that I stopped and talked to you for a few minutes, if I would of known it was the last time, it would have been longer then those 5 minutes. I remember the song you finished before we started talking. "Satellite" by Dave Matthews. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. We all love and miss you!
Amn Matt Rompca, USAF
Patsy,Ren Fitts
October 17, 2007
Dear Debbie and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jan has always talked so fondly of Ben. I know he will be missed.
Rick Thompson
October 17, 2007
Wow Ben I never got to meet you but I know you were a great person much sympathy and love for Family and Friends.
Dee Mirich
October 17, 2007
My Thoughts, Prayers And Love To All Of You.
Jillian Kukla
October 17, 2007
We, at Purdue Calumet, are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences go out to you in this truly saddening time.
McWilliams Family
October 17, 2007
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the entire Schwartzman family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael Clark
October 17, 2007
As most people know, the Music flows freely in our household. Ben was always a welcome additon to our home. Ben was a friend of our entire family and will be missed and thought of often, with every chord that is played. The Michael Clark Family
Sonia Rodriguez
October 17, 2007
My deepist sympathies to you & your family. I am very sadden for your loss. Your are in my prayers.
Patty Rusin
October 17, 2007
So sorry for your loss. My son, Adam Gard, thought very highly of Ben. You will all be in my prayers.
John and Paul Vezmar
October 17, 2007
We will always remember Ben's love for music. We consider it a great honor to have been able to watch him and his songs mature every Thursday night at The Blue Room in Highland.
We remember when Ben only played those Bob Marley cover songs in that Jamaican accent, and then slowly he began writing his own melodies. It wasn't long before his personal catalog of songs was more then enough to start playing headline shows at the cafe.
We consider his lyrics some of the most personal that were ever heard on the cafe's stage.
Ben's music, words, curly hair, and wire rimmed glasses will all be sincerely missed.
Our deepest sympathies go out to all the family and friends he had, near and far.
We will miss you Ben.
Sincerely,
John Vezmar
Paul Vezmar
Owners of The Blue Room Cafe
Jodi Rosenthal Pesich
October 17, 2007
I had the PLEASURE of knowing Ben, and that is exactly what it was...an absolute pleasure. He always put a smile on my face. I knew Ben from dating one of my closest friends, Dana, being a local musician and taking piano lessons from where I work. One of the last times I really got to have fun with him was at my wedding just 2 weeks ago. He was the life of the party...one of the best dancers on the dance floor. He was so kind...one of the kindest kids I've ever known. He was always so polite and one of the best young and certainly up and coming musician in this area.
Words truly cannot describe such a devastating loss.
My heart and prayers go out to his entire family and his closest friends, who I know are hurting more than ever.
We love you Ben.
Toni Walker
October 17, 2007
To Debbie and Family;
I am so sorry to hear of your lost. Please know you all are in my prayers. I am praying for you to have faith, strength and encouragement.
Gordon Stamper, Jr.
October 17, 2007
Deepest condolences to family, friends, and to the local music community Ben touched. I saw him performing at The Blue Room Cafe open mics in Highland and accompanying Ryan McFarland at one of the Spring Singer-Songwriter Showcase shows I covered for heyregion.com last March. Ben will be missed by many, who know his life and music career was much too brief.
Brandon Vezmar
October 17, 2007
October 17, 2007
I had the opportunity to know Ben for only a short time though my affilitation with The Blue Room Cafe (Highland), where he was a regular attendee of Open Mic night, and it was a real privilege to have been introduced to such a kind, intelligent, talented young man. His music, both in the minds of those of us who remember him and in the recordings we will surely continue to cherish, stand as a testament to Ben's uncommon sensitivity and grand love for others. He will be missed.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Brandon C. Vezmar
Becky Handler
October 17, 2007
Dear,Debbie, Ed and Hayley,
Please know that our thought and prayers are with your family during this very hard time. Hold on to your joyful memories of Ben.
Becky, Steve, Aaron and Dana Handler
Bill & Cynthia Harvoth
October 17, 2007
Dearest Debra & Family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your son. We truly share your grief & send our most heartfelt condolences to you & all the family members.
Terry Volk
October 17, 2007
Dear Dolly & Tom, and family,
I'll remember you in my prayers, I am so sorry for your loss.
Terry Volk
Mick,Carri,Steven,Drew,Emilee Eggebrecht/Kerber
October 17, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Schwartzman family.Ben had been over several times for the battle of the bands practice with our son Steven Kerber, he was very well liked by our family and we enjoyed his talent and love for music very much!
Stephanie Segneri(Michaels)
October 17, 2007
The tears may never stop but, the wonderful memories won't either. We thought the world of Ben & will keep him and your family in our hearts.-The Michaels Family
Gloria, Jim, Mackenzie, Samantha Skalski
October 17, 2007
Dearest Hayley, Deb and Ed, No words we can say to you will be adequate enough to express our deepest sympathy to you. You all are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you. Please, please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you now or in the future.
Kelly Bridgmon (Mike Cummins' sister)
October 16, 2007
Ben,
I don't remember if I actually got the chance to meet you in the groups of all of Mike's friends he played shows with. I've heard so much about you before this, what a wonderful musician you were. I am so sorry that you felt that you couldn't go on anymore. Any friend of my brother's is a friend of mine.
To Ben's family and friends - I am so sorry. Life is filled with pain and hardships and Ben wasn't strong enough to live with them. Be strong for him. You will be in my prayers for the rest of my life.
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