Robert Schwartz Obituary

Schwartz, Robert Francis age 85, another of the Greatest Generation, WWII Army Veteran, beloved husband of Gail Miller, loving father of Kathryn Kelly and Susan (Charles) Wood. He is survived by their mother, Peggy Beideman, and six granddaughters; Caroline (Paul) Casperson, Rebecca and Jennifer Guilfoyle and Marguerite, Tracie and Camryn Wood. Bob was the cherished only child of Eugene and Marguerite Schwartz. He attended St. Viator's Parochial School and graduated from Carl Schurz High School, Class of 1940. He began his career as a clerk with P. Becker & Co., became an auditor at the Stevens Hotel, and head night auditor at the Morrison. He was called to war and served in the U.S. Infantry and the Transportation Corp. He was assigned to overseas duty in the China-Burma-India Theatre of Operations. After the war, he returned to work in the downtown hotel industry while also pursuing his college education. He earned a degree in Commerce from Loyola University in 1950 and left the Sherman Hotel in 1953 to join Sylvania Electric Products in Melrose Park. Bob deeply valued his friends from that 15-year experience, but moved on to Wedron Silica, then Playskool, Inc., where he began as Cost Accounting Manager in 1970 and retired as Profit Planning Manager in 1986. He enjoyed the next twenty years from bells and bugles. He found happiness in quietly pursuing his interests: home improvement projects, cooking and entertaining, music and the piano, and reading and current events. His fine mind, brave heart, gentle nature, and sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m. Prayers Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago, to St. Matthias Catholic Church, 2310 W. Ainslie, Chicago. Mass Thursday, 11 a.m. Interment Rosehill Cemetery, Chicago. In Bob's memory, please make donations to the Loyola University Medical Center Development Department, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL. 60153. Funeral inquiries: 773-561-6874