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Leonard Schwartz Obituary
It is with a heavy heart that the family of Dr. Leonard Schwartz share that he passed away suddenly on April 10, 2016. He was born July 22, 1948 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to parents Alex and Alice Schwartz. He married Kathy Schwartz on April 7, 1983. They were partners in all aspects of life for 32 years. He had two children, Stephanie and David, who were his "heart's delight". He owned and operated his Ophthalmology practice with his wife for 33 years at the Eisenhower Medical Center, where he served a number of terms over the years as section chief in Ophthalmology and on the Board of Directors. He was a remarkable man. He was loved and looked up to by his family, friends, colleagues, staff, patients, and papillons. His words of wisdom, caring heart, guidance, and highest standards of integrity were a driving force in the lives of so many. He had a drive for constant learning to better himself and the world around him. We will miss him deeply, and will see him constantly in the world around us that he opened our eyes to. Burial services will be private, but a memorial service will be held at the Annenberg Center for Health Sciences at a later date. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Len's memory to the Living Desert Reserve - a place that he cherished.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Schwartz
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
deborah pousen
April 8, 2025
I still think about Dr. Swartz when I go for my eye exam I miss the pictures of his dogs, his updates on his children and his jokes. Truly a good man and a great doctor
John Gonnello
April 8, 2022
He was the best!!!
John Gonnello
April 8, 2021
He was more then a doctor, he was a friend
Russ Mullins
April 8, 2021
Best in so many categories': Doctor, caring, friendliness, GQ dressed... Sure miss him.....
John Gonnello
April 8, 2019
I miss his wit and the great conversations we had over the years
Luana Adams-Plonski
January 2, 2017
I just recently found out of Dr. Schwartz passing. He was a really good man. He taught me a lot. I worked for him for almost a decade. My condolences to Kathy, Stephanie and David. May you rest in peace, Len
Helene and George Gould
September 29, 2016
It is with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of Leonard. We met him once with Kathy and he made an amazing impression on us as a kind hearted man, with great humor and a loving family man. We were looking forward to seeing him again and we will miss him. Our most sincere condolences to Kathy and his family. Helene and George Gould
August 24, 2016
It is with great sadness that I just learned of Dr. Schwartz's passing. Shocked beyond belief! My sincerest condolences to the entire family and staff at Desert Vision Center. I will miss Dr.'s thorough and professional demeanor forever.
Mrs. Joan Hofmann
July 6, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Leonard Schwartz. My sympathies go out to the entire family, doggies and staff.
He was a lovely man and a great doctor. He will be missed.
Nimy Reager
Indian Wells
Steven Niethamer
June 26, 2016
My family and I thank you for being a wonderful and caring doctor and a friend. We wish Kathy, Stephanie, David and the office staff the strength to continue on. So very sad.
Our love to you all,
Steven, Bounthom and Natasha
June 10, 2016
First our sincere condolences to Kathy and the children.
Becky Barabe
May 18, 2016
I found out today of Dr. Schwartz passing. Needless to say I was shocked He was the only ophthalmologist that I visited during all my time here in the desert
He was a remarkable ( Doctor) and human being. Filling his shoes will not be easy .
At one of my last appointments with him we had discussed a few things and he had told me that all he wanted to do was treat his patients !
I will miss him !
My heart felt regret to Kathy and doctors family.
Becky
La Quinta
May 9, 2016
He will truly be missed by all patients and staff.
Keep smiling down on us Dr. Schwartz...
May 4, 2016
Kathie and family,
We are so very saddened to hear about Len. He was a wonderful man and physician. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and please know how very, very sorry we are.
Sincerely,
Bob and Linda Murphy
Raymond O'Connell
May 4, 2016
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and staff of Dr. Schwartz. He will be missed.
Raymond and Lila O'Connell
David&Susie Miller
May 1, 2016
We have all lost one of the finest Dr's ever. He was so caring and professional. We grieve along with family, friends and staff over this loss.
Peace be with you Dr. Schwartz.
Frank and Shirley Schiro
April 30, 2016
We will miss this caring, loving man, he saved my husbands eye sight and was dedicated in seeing him every day until it started to show it was improving.A one in a million compassionate man
who will never be replaced. We thank God for him.
He's in Heaven with God and hope to see him there.
April 29, 2016
I called Dr. Schwartz' office this morning to make an emergency appt. after awaking with eye pain. When I was informed of his sudden passing, I could not believe what I was hearing. It just couldn't be true. I became his patient shortly after moving to the desert 20 years ago, and after being diagnosed with a vein occlusion a few years ago, I visited his office every 6 months for a check-up. I had such confidence in him and just knowing that whatever additional eye problems I might be faced with in the future, this compassionate man would handle them for me. I didn't have to worry, because he was there. He was such a gentleman, a true professional and his comforting words put you at ease no matter how serious the issue might be. Needless to say, this wonderful man will be missed by so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and staff.
Ruby Farmer
La Quinta, CA
Kerry Roach
April 27, 2016
So grateful to have had Dr Schwartz as my 1st ophthalmologist he knew my optic neuritis immediately
Such a 1st class office kind doctor and wonderful staff such a loss for us all
My deepest condolences
Kerry Roach
Nancy McCulloch
April 27, 2016
So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful, caring patient gentleman. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Debra Blair
April 26, 2016
Dear Kathy , Stephanie and David
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all
Pamela Bonino
April 26, 2016
Dear Kathy and Family (including the Dogs),
Please accept my deepest condolences in your time of grief.
Like hundreds of others, my husband and I received many years of exceptional care from Dr. Schwartz. He had such a generous heart and was tireless in his dedication to his profession and to his patients.
Pamela Bonino
Rancho Mirage
Paul & Bonnie Lieberman
April 24, 2016
To Kathy, Stephanie and David:
A great loss to all of you and for me, his friend of 63 years. Many memories of Queens, Buffalo, Syracuse, CA, Maine and so many other places. We always caught up by phone or visits and the joy was always about our families. His life was too short and will be missed by all.
Condolences to all.
Love
Diane Marlin-Dirkx
April 24, 2016
My late husband, Gerard M. Dirkx and I were patients of the much-respected and lauded Dr,Leonard Schwartz, since arriving in the desert in he late 90s, We always looked forward to our yearly check-ups and eye care as a welcome, amusing and pleasurable visit between friends. A glance at the photograph of his beloved papillon always on view speaks volumns! Dr. Schwartz was more than an excellent optholmologist, he was a caring, compassionate human being, with a quiet, thoughtful wit and an intelligent manner that brought new interest to learning about the eyes and all their glory. His staff loved him and so did his patients. We will miss him. My condolences to his family. Fondly, Diane Marlin-Dirkx
R C
April 22, 2016
Your staff misses you deeply!!!
April 22, 2016
Dear Kathy and children,
Terribly saddened by Lenny's untimely passing. As you know, he was an exceptional man.
I have vivid memories of our trip to Cabo. Len was a resident and I was an attending, while he was first learning cataract surgery. Obviously it was a successful trip, as Len went on to become a wonderful and highly respected ophthalmologist.
Remember all the great times.
Fondly, Lawrence Schwartz, M.D.
Pamela Bieri
April 21, 2016
Dear Schwartz Family
I am so shocked and saddened to read about this just now. Have been a patient of Dr. Schwartz for all the years I've lived here in the desert since 1979. Both my husband and I just recently went for our routine exams. Always looked forward to the visits because he was kind and interested in our lives, and had intelligent things to say. My deepest condolences to Kathy and the family.
Pam and Roland Bieri
April 19, 2016
Dear Kathy, Stephanie, and David.
We are so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad and husband. There aren't enough words to soften your sadness - just know that our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. We will remember him as a man of great gentleness and quiet humor - in addition to his wonderful soothing, healing medical skills . Please accept our condolences.
Liz, Lauren, and Tracey Quayle
April 19, 2016
To the family of Dr. Schwartz, I send my most heartfelt sympathy, and I share in your sadness.
His patient for many years, I will always remember him, not only as a skilled physician and surgeon, but also as a man of great integrity and kindness.
Please accept my warmest condolences.
Jacquie Litto
April 19, 2016
Kathy and family,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the sudden passing of our friend and colleague. Len was a superb ophthalmologist and a truly special guy. We worked closely with him over the years at Hope Square and then at El Mirador, where he always demonstrated great intellect, kindness, humility and wit. Please take care.
Lori Kirshner and Peter Spiegel
Lisa McFadden
April 18, 2016
Dr. Schwartz was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his Family, Friends, and Staff.
April 18, 2016
Dear Kathy, Stephanie and David,
Our heart aches for you at this time as we share only good thoughts and prayers to you three.
Big hugs from Michael, Jan and Dominic Marchese
Linda Simmons
April 18, 2016
Kathy and family,
My thoughts are with all of you on the loss of a very special man in your life.
Linda Simmons
former CHOC & EMC, RN
April 18, 2016
Kathy and Family,
We were sorrowfuly stunned by the news of Len's passing. His intelligence, kindness and sincerity were a gift to all who knew him. Truly a kind and sweet gentleman.
With thoughts and prayers.
Mel and Brenda Rudman
Judy Tilt
April 17, 2016
Dr. Schwartz will be greatly missed. He was an excellent Doctor who cared so much for his patients. He was never too busy to take the time to fully answer any professional question or procedure. Appointments were a joy as it was an opportunity to discuss not only medical issues, but a time to visit with Dr. Schwartz, Kathy, Kenny and his Office Staff. Dr. Schwartz led a team of caring individuals who took great pride in providing the finest medical care.
Michele Cirone-Collier
April 17, 2016
Please accept our prayers and thoughts of comfort for all of you during this time. What a kind and genuine person Dr. Schwartz was. He took extra special care with me, and I am truly grateful. I enjoyed our chats about NY and Alley Pond Park among other things....I am so sad he is gone.
May your memories of him be blest for always.
Michele
Joan & John Pfeiffer
April 17, 2016
We will miss a wonderful, special man. Dr. Schwartz helped us for many years. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Rosemarie Brown
April 17, 2016
Dear Kathy....
We were stunned and saddened to hear of Lens sudden death...I remember you with fondness from years ago at CHOC..and going to CSUF together...Jack and I met Len once or twice at your desert house...but knew he was a great guy..Remember when David was born ...
We have. Place in Trilogy and are out there frequently..
Hang in there old friend, be thankful for your years together and the kids you shared..
Thinking of you all
Jack and Rosemarie Brown, Tustin
Mary Warrick
April 17, 2016
My heart is broken. Dr Schwartz was so wonderful to me and the cataract surgery he did was perfection. It was always interesting to speak with him about things going on in the world. He will be missed by all of his patients, friends, and family.I send my sympathy and love to his family, Mary Warrick
Judy Sklar
April 17, 2016
Dr Schwartz was a loving and caring doctor and I will miss him. Judy Nemer Sklar
Mary Van De Mark
April 16, 2016
Dr. Schwartz was so very helpful to my mother-in-law, my husband and me. His advice, treatments and expertise were invaluable. He was a sight-life saver to us. My heart felt condolences to his family and wonderful staff.
John Frost
April 16, 2016
Leonard Schwartz worked with me for over 25 years in trying to keep my disintegrating optic nerves from closing down and leaving me sightless. A couple of years back we met in his office following a particularly difficult surgery that he performed on my right eye. His voice filled with emotion when he discussed the result, a tear came to his eye, and he advised me that he would gladly come in on the week-end if I needed him. I felt a special bond with Dr. Schwartz, not only then but throughout our professional relationship. He was a great doctor and human being, and he left the world a much better place for his having been here. My wife and I send our most heartfelt sympathy to his family. John W. Frost
Cordalayne Vandyke
April 16, 2016
My heart-felt condolences to the Family and Staff for the loss of Dr. Schwartz in his earthly life. We who depended upon his practice find ourselves lost in a professional manner because his expertise and knowledge cannot be duplicated here in the Coachella Valley.
Dr. Sam & Diane Weiss
April 16, 2016
Our hearts are broken over the sudden loss of our dear friend, colleague, and ophthalmologist. We are so thankful for the recent dinner we shared and the close bond we had over many years. Len was so kind and wise and had a tremendous zest for life. He loved Kathy, Stephanie and David with all his heart and soul. His memory will shine bright and his words of wisdom will carry on.
Our hearts are with you,
Sam, Diane, Austin & Ali Weiss
Dona Peri
April 15, 2016
I was so shocked and saddened by the passing of Dr. Schwartz...I was his patient for over 20 years and always looked forward to seeing him, even though it was in a professional way. May his family know that he is now safe in the arms of our loving Lord.
April 15, 2016
My wonderful eye doctor - so very, very sad.
Geraldine Fashing
April 15, 2016
May the Lord bless and keep you through this most difficult journey. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I thank God that we started seeing Dr. He brought new vision to our lives in many ways. We will miss him but not forget him. Fritz and Geri Fashing
Sheri Share
April 15, 2016
So sad to hear about the passing of a wonderful and kind man as well as an excellent Dr.
He will be truly missed. My condolences to his family and wonderful staff.
Ellen Lewis
April 15, 2016
My condolences to Dr. Schwartz's family and staff. A fine and respected doctor taken too soon.
Deborah Pousen
April 15, 2016
Who says, "I love to go to the Doctor"? I did . Doctor Schwartz always made you think your eye care was foremost in his mind. His humor, dog pictures, updates on his children and his political views were just an added bonus to the greatest eye care ever. I will miss him, and my heart aches for his family. May it help to know how much he was loved by those of us he took care of.
Linda Mullins
April 15, 2016
My sympathies to Dr. Schwartz' family and close friends.
I have been a patient of the wonderful Dr. for 16 years. He was the kindest, funniest, best dressed and greatest Dr. I have ever known.
He was also especially gifted in his field. Saving my husband's eyesight by coming to the office on a Sunday to do an exam and sending him to a retina specialist.
I am both very saddened and shocked by his passing. I feel I have lost a doctor & friend.
With love, prayers and blessings I send comfort to the family.
Linda
April 15, 2016
We give thanks everyday for our wonderful eyesight and for having had Dr. Schwartz as our doctor.
We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing.
He will be greatly missed.
Joe and Sharon Carney
Sherry Gonnello
April 15, 2016
I was so saddened and stunned to hear about Dr. Schwartz' passing. He was a wonderful doctor who truly was concerned about his patients. We had so many wonderful discussions about politics and life. I am going to miss him as he was one of the "good guys ". My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his staff.
s m
April 15, 2016
Amazing man with a big heart. You will be truly miss Dr. Schwartz.
Ruth, Merle, Jennifer & Kim Bolton
April 15, 2016
Len was the epitome of a renaissance man; amazingly bright and adventurous, yet a compassionate and gifted physician and surgeon. We were blessed to have known him personally and professionally. Cathy, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Barry Keyes
April 15, 2016
My thoughts are with the Schwartz family. As a patient for many years I felt his warmth and humor during my annual visits. He will be missed.
Sherry Gonnello
April 14, 2016
I was so stunned and saddened to hear about Dr. Schwartz' Passing. He was such a wonderful caring doctor and always worried about my eye pressure. We had so many wonderful conversations about politics and life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and wonderful staff.
April 14, 2016
We were "regulars" in the office, but Dr. Schwartz was not a regular Doctor by any means. He showed great compassion, and dedication while treating a very complicated eye situation for me that continued for 2 years. His expertise will be missed in this medical community for sure, but not any more than his patients missing his caring ways, his jovial encouraging conversations and his medical attention to our eyesight. I am grateful that I had him as my physician and am so saddened by his passing. To Kathy, Stephanie, David and staff we pray for your comfort in good memories during this time.
Paul, Deborah and Marvin White
April 14, 2016
My husband Ned and I will deeply miss Dr. Schwartz. We
very much appreciated his patient, informed approach to our conditions and his clear presentation of options. Dr. Schwartz always inquired about my grandson who has special needs and I will remember that kindness. We will keep Dr. Schwartz and his family in our hearts and in our prayers.
Bonnie Cunningham
Carolyn & Gordon Skinner
April 14, 2016
We share your sorrow & wish you piece & comfort.
SHALOM
Carol Kimble
April 14, 2016
Dear Kathy and Family:
Bruce Macumber and I are so sad...We will miss him terribly!
Carol Kimble
Dan & Shirley Coleman
April 14, 2016
We were very sorry to hear of Dr. Schwartz death. He has been our doctor for many years and we will certainly miss him. He has always been great about taking care of our various eye problems.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
Geraldine Plater
April 14, 2016
As a patient of Dr. Schwartz, I appreciated his skills and ever sharp mind, his humor and most importantly his careful explanation of what was going on with the health of my eyes. We shared the same ideas about what is happening in the middle-east and I always looked forward to those discussions. I feel privileged to have known him. My love to you all, his loved ones.
April 14, 2016
dear kathy and children--know that your husband and father was loved in this small community-his memory will live on as a kind and loving human being--we wish no more sorrow to befall you..our heartfelt condolences-steven and suzan hyman
April 14, 2016
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for the passing of Dr. Schwartz. He was our family ophthamologist for over 20 years. He helped my husband regain his sight with both eyes having cataract replacement surgery and I so enjoyed talking politics and history with him. I want him to know that we all sat on the back porch of Mt. Vernon at his direction! Rich and Marty Butler send a rest in peace Dr. Schwartz he will be gravely missed.
April 14, 2016
Cathy, Stephanie and David,
We are very sad to hear of Len's death, so sudden, and so very sad for all of you. We, and the medical community and his patients will really miss him.
It is a tough time for all of you; we are thinking of you.
Joel and Leslie Hirschberg
Penny Carpenter
April 14, 2016
A fine human being.... A wonderful doctor... I will always "see" him..... Only good memories about our conversations concerning horses. My late mother, Ruth Kramer, was a patient of his for many years.... i too have been a patient for many years....condolences to the family... He will not be forgotten.
Penny Carpenter
Lisa Dean
April 14, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was lucky to have known Dr. Schwartz. Kathy is a beautiful woman with a big heart and I taught both Stephanie and David who have both turned out to be successful young adults. (A family that loved) May you keep each other near during this tough time.
God Bless
I Believe compassion to be one of the things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives. Being able to listen and help others... the kind that sticks!
This was Dr. Schawartz.
April 14, 2016
Dear Kathy, Stephanie and David,
We are all so saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our dear friend, colleague and personal ophthalmologist. Lennie was not only a wonderful, caring father and husband, but a truly dedicated and exceptional Doctor who cared so much for his patients. He will be missed very, very much. May his memories remain a continuous blessing to you during this very tough time.
With love and sincerity, The Gurwitt Family - Jan, Les, Jonathan, Brad and Leslie
April 14, 2016
I am so saddened by this news and loss. My twin boys were patients of Dr. Schwartz since age two. They often traveled back home to still have their examination done by their great friend and doctor. Alexander and Christopher Phaneuf are both grief stricken and will hold you in their thoughts and prayers. As their mother, I thank you for helping them work through their many challenges and giving them the gift of your expertise and knowledge. Patti Phaneuf
Ernest Johnson
April 14, 2016
So sad to hear about Dr. Schwartz. I looked forward to my annual checkup and our conversation. He seemed never in a rush and was an excellent physician.
Renee Griffin
April 14, 2016
Dear Kathy,
No one can feel your pain for the unexpected passing of your dear husband, but I know that you and your family are devastated and hurting.
My brief association with Dr. Schwartz as a patient and with both of you on advertising was one of deep respect.
May you, Stephanie and David be comforted by the outpouring of love from friends and family along with memories of a life well lived.
With sympathy for your loss,
Renée Griffin
(former Desert Sun rep)
Patti Gribow
April 14, 2016
Dale, Gina and I are so sorry to hear of Dr. Schwartz's untimely death. Not only was he our entire family's doctor, but he was a friend, as well. Please know we send our deepest condolences to all of you. He was a great doctor, with a wonderful wit and zest for life. This is what we will always remember. Prayers to all of you!
Diane Hunter
April 14, 2016
I believe I credentialed Dr. Schwartz to join the Medical Staff at Desert Regional when he moved to the desert many years ago. The community has certainly lost a delightful gentleman. My condolences to his family. Godspeed Dr. Schwartz
Lois McCamy
April 14, 2016
I am so saddened by the passing of Dr. Schwartz. He has taken care of my eyesight for 25 years and I will miss him very much. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Warren Levy
April 14, 2016
Warren & Sheila Levy were so sad to find out that that Dr. Schwartz passed away. He was our doctor for many years. He will be missed by many.
Carl Kisner
April 13, 2016
My sincere sympathy to family and the staff of his practice. This is a huge loss for many of us....
Sincerely,
Carl Kisner
Evelyn Burnley
April 13, 2016
I will light a candle for you, Dr. Schwartz, at Sacred Heart Church in thanks for the many years of your excellent care for my visual health. You will be sorely missed and are in my prayers.
John Gonnello
John Gonnello
April 13, 2016
Leonard was my doctor and a friend, he always worried about me.. I will miss him.
My heart goes out to his family & I will pray for him.
CRAIG SELBERG
April 13, 2016
Dr. Schwartz,
Thank you for taking care of my family & I, all these years. Your insight on life & humor were always a joy to listen to. You were a great Doctor and we will miss you, dearly. May you rest in peace.
Greg Konzen, Pharm.D.
April 13, 2016
Kathy, I was saddened today to learn of Len's sudden passing. He was a remarkable man that all of us looked up to as a person and physician. He was always there for each of us.
I remember leaving the pharmacy late in the evening many a night and finding the two of you still working and it always brought a smile to my face and a warm feeling in my heart seeing couple that really enjoyed sharing that special time together as partners in life.
He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
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