Simon Schwartz

died on May 8, 2011 at Madison Avenue Assisted Living Facility, Bainbridge Island, Washington, after a long struggle with heart failure. He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the fifth of six children all of whom predeceased him. He grew up in Detroit Michigan, where he developed his lifelong love for baseball, and as a teenager, worked as an usher at the Detroit Tiger baseball stadium. His favorite duty there was to warm up the relief pitchers in the bullpen. His family moved to Brooklyn NY, in 1937; his apartment had a view of the Ebbets Field outfield. Prior to WWII, he actively worked with the American Jewish Committee, photographing German spies in New York City, and photographing Erika Mann, daughter of Thomas Mann, who was trying to raise awareness of the situation in Germany in 1939.He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941, serving his country as a flight instructor and bombardier during WWII, initially stationed at Biloxi, Mississippi, where the met Ida May Page, the love of his life, who he married in 1942. He finished his service as a Captain. Post WWII, he matriculated Southern Methodist University and graduated with a degree in business, even though his mentor, Dr. Edmund Muzon deemed him a mathematical genius. While at SMU, he played freshman baseball with Doak Walker, and played bridge with Aaron Spelling. During college he continued military service as an Air Force Reservist. In 1952, he was recalled into service, working for the auditor general during the Korean War at Carswell Air Force Base (SAC headquarters); he was officially commended for developing a new auditing tool.His marriage to Ida May lasted for 64 years until her death in 2006. They had three daughters: Judith (Hopewell,NJ), Claire (Bainbridge Island, WA)and Alice (Houston, TX), all of whom survive him. He leaves 8 grandchildren, Ned and Will in Ohio, Elizabeth, Matt and John in Texas, and Laura, Rachel, and Nick in Washington, and two great-grandchildren, Edward and Oliver. He is also survived by his beloved niece and nephews, Edmund Grossman, Seth Jaffe, and Carol Lynne. Sam was a 33 Degree Mason and a member of the Shriners. He spent many hours while in failing health as a volunteer with Helpline House and Bainbridge Island Senior Center._ Sam had an amazing combination of sports ability and high intellect. He was truly an original. Underneath a gruff exterior, there was a soft heart, social consciousness, and love for his family, who will dearly miss him. Interment took place at Tahoma National Cemetery. Please sign the online guest book for the family.Please join his family and friends for a celebration of his life at the Bainbridge Island Commons, 370 Brien Av, Bainbridge Island, Washington on July 29 at 1:00pm.