Alan Schwartz Obituary

He will be sorely missed.

My mentor did not need a legal doc his word was his bond
I miss his presence
One of the bests

Two tennis greats and lifelong friends were taken away to that big court in the sky this week two years ago
Travel safe

A great man!

I knew Alan through the USTA, an organization I joined in 2001 as admin support to the infamous Patricia Freebody. Through Pat and her cherished friendship with Alan, I felt I knew him in a special way. After 20+ years with the Association, and moving into the marketing department, I remained involved with the meetings and working closely with the various Presidents, an honor I hold very close to my heart. Through the years, I saw Alan as a giant - literally and figuratively - both a powerful and a gentle giant. His hugs engulfed you and his laugh and voice boomed like a Damon Runyon character out of Guys and Dolls a la Big Julie (maybe the Chicago thing had something to do with it.) His lovely Ronnie is/was always - always - always - such a dear, joyful and stylish lady. I just loved them as a couple. May God hold her and all of you in the palm of His hand. Alan's dedication to the sport of tennis was unmatched. xo Janet Hanasik

I did not know him well, but always loved the joy he brought to any exchange with his infectious smile and genuine love for everything about our sport! May God bless Alan's vast tennis experience and knowledge as he is added to his Heavenly Tennis Team! I am sure all of his tennis friends - opponents and partners in crime - whom arrived before him, lined the path with open arms!

Without a doubt in my two careers of sports: coaching and sports medicine marketing.., Alan has been a forefront business partner and colleague. My partners and I have respected him since day one and grew to feed on his intelligence and unusual charisma. He became a long long time friend !!! RIP.

Thank you, Alan, for your Tuesday noon group.

On behalf of my brother Gus and I, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to Ronnie and the entire Schwartz family. Alan and Ronnie were loyal customers of the BBQ Pit for over 35 years. He was was the most classy, generous and kind gentlemen we had ever encountered in our business. I had the good fortune to see him shortly before he passed. It was a cold and rainy night and he had just driven back from Midtown to pick up some food. I delivered the food to his vehicle and we had our usual cordial conversation that typically included some humorous banter but I could tell he was running a bit late and was anxious to get home with the food to Ronnie. We will miss him immensely. May his memory live on forever.

I was so sad to hear of Alan's passing. I have so many fond memories.
What started as a client relationship developed into an investor relationship but more importantly became a friend relationship.
We moved overseas almost 30 years ago. For quite a few years we managed to keep in contact. When I called Alan last August after being out of touch for too many years he answered the phone by shouting out my name and thanking me for calling.
He immediately asked how my daughters are and if I'm still playing basketball.
He asked when are we getting together. I said on my next trip to Chicago which didn't occur.
My condolences to Ronnie, Steven and the entire family.

I am so sorry to hear this about Mr. Schwartz. I have been lucky to be around his company TCA from the standpoint of helping to insure their physical assets and liabilities. Working with TCA has been the highlight of my career. My best story? One time Alan asked me in to his office to join a conference call with an attorney asking questions about a policy. It must have been 6-9 months later that I am watching Pete Sampras, my favorite tennis player retire at the US Open and who hands him the plaque? ALAN SCWARTZ. I love tennis and that was my only touch with true tennis immortals!

There it was at the top of an obituary-the smile I knew so well on the face of a man I indeed knew well. It was Alan Schwartz´s face. The wonderfully-written obituary that followed was full of family remembrances. What more could I say? Plenty, I thought!
Alan came into my life as a happy accident. It was through a brief phone call I made as a channel 7 television news producer. I called about the availability of a national tennis star, who was visiting Midtown Tennis Club, the flagship of Alan Tennis Corporation of American clubs. (A few years after we moved to Chicago, I had taken Tennis in No Time there, but never met him.) I wanted an interview for one of our shows. I didn´t get the interview, but I did have a few minutes with a deep-voiced, perfectly charming man.
Some months later, my daughter, Liz, and Alan´s daughter, Sally, were sitting in my breakfast room talking about their mothers. The girls were high school friends. It didn´t take long to connect the dots. Alan and the Schwartz family lived a few minutes from our home in Highland Park. Sally and Liz decided that their mothers should meet for lunch, and, we did! Roslyn, whom I call Roz, and I sealed the deal. We were friends. Soon, Alan was in the mix. We talked sports, watched The Bears (not Roz) and ruminated about politics.
Friendship became mentorship when I decided to start my own public relations and marketing business. Who did I go to? Of course-Alan. He guided me through the process-questioning, always questioning and forcing me to think and strategize. He was always there to help not just me, but I suspect hundreds of others in similar circumstances. That help was not limited to me. Alan was available to other family members. Just a few months ago, I asked him if he could help my sister-in-law and brother with a major problem. Alan, again, answered "Yes." How did he find the time to aid so many? I often wondered if Alan had found a way to add five or more hours to a day. He was a master class in juggling!
As my business grew, I sought Alan´s advice again and again. I recall a moment a couple of years later. Roz, Alan and I were having dinner when the big man casually leaned across the table and asked, "Do you think your company could handle a couple of TCA clubs?" Good grief! He had decided to lift our friendship to a new level by trusting my business to take on a new client, his company. It wasn´t long before he added many more TCA clubs. In the years to come, I also worked with two more terrific members of the Schwarz family-Steven and Andrew!
Beyond all of our various interactions, there was one constant. It had to do with the fall harvest of Jonathan apples. Every year, I took out my rolling pin and all the various ingredients and made Alan an apple pie. He always knew it was coming. As I write this, I´m chuckling about one year. I dropped the pie over to the Schwartz home and drove the six minutes to mine. As I walked in the back door, the phone was ringing. It was Roz on the speaker phone, "I wanted you to know that he has already eaten half of it!"
Yes, I baked one this year. The 2022 pie arrived ten days before Alan Schwartz left us! I´ll probably bake more apple pies...but it will never be the same.

Ronnie Steve et all
I have known Alan for 60 years. I so admired him as the embodiment of what a good person should be
When my wife Judy passed away whom he knew he left a voice mail of condolences that I kept for months
This is a person I looked up to and am a better person for having been privileged to know him

A Legend.
Many stories, many lives touched, the special gift to communicate with everyone.
With love,
ALS

Alan was one of the best
In the same week I have lost him and Nick
Sad time for tennis without these two pioneers both of whom truly loved our sport and bettered it throughout their lives
Alan was a good friend and mentor and fellow USTA Committee member, who helped Mary and I when I left the NBTA
In a round about way he was a part of getting me to the ITHOF
Always a family man and tennis but he will be sorely missed
Travel well my friend

Alan was a kind and thoughtful man. It was an honor to know him. We loved spending time with him and listening to the fascinating stories from his amazing life.
We know he will be missed by Ronnie and the rest of his lovely family.
Sending you our love,
Julie and Jim Schwartz
Coral Stone 32

Alan was a great man that I enjoyed listening to his stories in later years and playing tennis with and against in earlier years. My prayers and sympathy go to Ronnie and all the family.

What a remarkable life, remarkable man. And he created, among many other things, a remarkable family. We always appreciated all the support around Deerfield and Highland Park tennis from the Schwartz/Brint family. What a legacy- May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Fondly, Bruce, Andrea and Jason (Amanda) Brown

Mr. Schwartz (as I always called him) was a warm, humorous and brilliant man that I had the honor of knowing when Chicago Run was housed out of Midtown. When I was frantic about a work problem and Steve was not in his office, I sometimes popped my head into Mr. Schwartz's office to bother him. He was always so kind and energetic. I know he was a true family man as well and his children and grandchildren loved him dearly. I know that he will be missed, but his legacy lives on in many. My deepest condolences to the Schwartz Family.

Ronnie ( and Steven, Sally, and Betsy ): After reading so many testimonials to Alan, as a wise man once said - everything has been said but not everyone has said it. We count ourselves lucky to have had Alan and you as good friends. The two of you have had such an amazing life and have given of yourselves to so many. His sudden passing was a shock to us and surely was even more to you. You have raised a large and fabulous family. You can carry on knowing that Alan set an example for all to follow. With all our love,
Sara, Lauren and Skip Hartman

To the Schwartz and Midtown Family,

I had the privilege of knowing Alan in many, many capacities. As a fellow competitor, multiple boards (CITA, USTA, USPTA, PTR, USTA/Chicago, Midwest....), a club owner and ultimately on his payroll at Midtown Chicago. A 40 year professional relationship! Was even able to MC the street dedication on Elston Ave, by the City of Chicago to him at the 40th Anniversary of Midtown (2010) - now over 50 years strong.

Kind, instructional, inspirational - are just some words to describe him. I never ceased to enjoy his company or his conversations. My last one was less than a week of his passing at his coveted USTA National 14 Boys Championships held at his flagship. At every corner of the US and the various countries I have visited, if I mentioned Chicago Tennis, there was a recollection of this fine gentleman. A true ambassador of tennis and humankind.
We all, as a tennis family, will miss him. RIP.

Alan was so significant in my life: in my real estate business and in my personal world - getting me back into tennis, for which I can never thank him enough! My deepest condolences to the entire family. May Alan's memory be eternal.

A truly warm and compassionate man and a friend to the special needs community.

My condolences to the entire Schwartz family. When I worked for the Tennis Channel, Alan and Steven provided office space at TCA/Midtown headquarters for me to use as the Chicago-based ad sales director. Both were very kind and welcoming, which was obviously natural to them. I always thought Alan was interesting and this obituary confirms it. What an incredible life! Tim Allen

Despite all of his accomplishments, I will always remember Alan Schwartz for the kindness of his heart, his vast vision, and his amazing support and "reach" in helping others, especially the underprivileged kids in the Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP). He will be missed, remembered, and always revered.

Dear Steven and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful father. Alan was a true force in the tennis and fitness industry. His standards of excellence led the industry from inception to a global industry with high values. So many have been touched by his efforts. Wishing you all peace.

Fortunate to have been able to meet Mr. Schwartz through all the great work in elevating the lives of the visually impaired. To accomplish all he did in such a humble and respectful manner is the markings of genuine legend. Big hugs to the Schwartz/Brint clan, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing us to be a part of and a recipient of his great legacy.

Alan honored his roots and honored mankind in so doing

Ronnie, Steven and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Like many others I am forever grateful that I had Alan as a mentor and a friend. Alan epitomized a life well lived and no one enjoyed it more. The man also knew how to demolish a lobster and we shared many over the years. I will miss him.

Alan was a genuine human being. My husband Peter had such respect and adoration for this wonderful man.He is a diamond in the rough and will be strongly missed.
Sending loving support and prayers,
lynn Burwash

I worked for TCA as the National Sales Director for 11 years. Alan was larger than life to me. Every time I had an opportunity to speak with him he was so kind and made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. He also gave me valuable life-lesson advice that I'll never forget and still use to this day. There will never be another to take his place in my life. RIP Alan.

I truly wished I had known Alan better. He was a giant of a man and worked tirelessly to promote and improve tennis. Thank You, Alan-
Dick Gould, Stanford University.

My late father and I first worked with Alan and his Father Kivie in1967 in the join rehab of a west Lincoln Park apartment building. The friendship and business shared expanded from time to time. Alan was a great leader and almost as detailed as his dad who will always be remembered for his fastidious detail. As a mere pup. 10 years Alan´s junior,I admired him and always enjoyed our time together. We shared the loss of our fathers. He is partner and teacher to be emulated and long long remembered.

Dear Betsy,
So sorry to hear of your father´s passing. I didn´t know him but I enjoyed 20+ years as a member at The Bannockburn Club which I knew he was very proud of. Their excitement about it was palpable in that members were all made to feel special. Today I was gathered with family who worked at the Club for many years and mentioned his passing. May the great memories of life with your dad bring you peace.

Alan was a special man. One of my dads first friends, and he and Ronnie lifelong friends of my folks. Alan was a help to me in my adult years. All the Horwich´s are heartbroken, and so
Much better for being a part of Alan´s life all these years. Rest in peace and prayers to the whole family Jeff and Terri Horwich

Ronnie, Steven and family I am so very sorry for your loss. Like so many others I am forever grateful to have had Alan as a wonderful mentor and friend. He epitomized a life well lived and no one deserved it more. I will miss him.

Alan will be missed by so many friends and family. His smile was so big and he enjoyed seeing his children and grandchildren learning to swim and play tennis. Alan you will be missed deeply.

Ronnie and all the family, My heart is filled with sadness hearing the news of Alan´s passing. He was such a wonderful man and I´m honored to have worked with him at the USTA. He was a gentle giant and had such wisdom and drive. My heart goes out to you all during this time of grief. He was so proud of his family. Do not say that you are sorry he´s gone but rather say in thankfulness that you are grateful he was here!! I think we all can say that, as he touched so many lives. Bless you all. Alicia Cook

Alan was a force and will be sorely missed. I feel fortunate to have crossed paths with him and cherish the stories he shared from his amazing life. Sending love to Ronnie and the entire family.

Sally, Ronnie and Family,
My most heartfelt and sincere condolences to you all. I just saw Alan a few weeks at the last Telling Stories event at the Oil Lamp Theater, and he gave me the most wonderful smile. A profound loss. Sending love.
Rob Weinstein

Alan Schwartz was a great man
Our family had the opportunity to know him when we went to midtown for super excellence programs as juniors
He was a man with amazing character and treated everyone like we were one of his kids
He will be missed but his legacy in tennis here in Chicago and all over the country will continue
Jimmy Nelson
The entire Nelson family

Sending love, comfort and prayers to Steven, Betsy and the entire family. I worked with you dad at Midtown on Fullerton, he was a force! He has created such a wonderful legacy and incredible contributions to the tennis and fitness world. Rest in Peace Alan.

Much Love,
Lynne Brenner

Allen was truly a legend in the tennis world and was regarded as the father of Chicago tennis. His impact was far greater than that and he also created the world team tennis league that was a major factor in the advancement of women´s income rising appropriately.

He was a very engaging man as well, and will be missed by many.
My condolences to the family, especially Betsy Brint.
Kerry Wolfe

Alan, our dear and wonderful friend who approached life with the joy and vigor of Tevye. Much of this obituary reads as if Alan wrote it; we found ourselves smiling while crying. He is irreplaceable.

Listening to Alan was like sitting in a graduate level class. So glad he stuck with tennis rather than swimming. He will be missed!

Met Alan over 60 years ago. His first comment to me was that the toss when you serve should not be an adventure!! Great person who will be missed by so many people!!

Big Al will be missed. What a guy.

So, so sorry. He was the salt of the earth. Deepest sympathies to Ronnie, Steve and all his siblings. The Fischls
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