Bernard Arthur Schwartz

Bernard “Bernie” Arthur Schwartz was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts on July 18, 1927 to Morris “Moses” and Betsy (Saklav) Schwartz. He passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 97, on February 22, 2025 in Puyallup, Washington.

Bernie grew up in Arizona where he graduated from Union High at the age of 17. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Coast Guard prior to the end of WWII, making him one of the few WWII vets that were still alive in 2025. In the Coast Guard, he spent time in the Philippines and Guam and was eventually assigned to Massachusetts where he met his wife, Lorraine. Bernie would complete his service in the United States Coast Guard as a Seaman and be honorably discharged. He would soon join the Air Force and spend an additional 22 years in service before retiring as a Tech Sergeant in 1974. He would conclude his military career with a short stint in the Air Force Reserves.

Bernie and Lorraine were married on September 7, 1952 and chose to build their family through adoption, opening their hearts and home. Over the years, they would adopt two sons and three daughters. Later in life, they would expand their family once again to include two more sons and one daughter. Their open hearts extended to animals as well; this would ensure that their home would always be filled with children and pets!

He continued to work well into his seventies. After retiring he served as a civilian nuclear worker on the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. This would lead to him working at nuclear power plants during planned outages. A favorite joke of his immediately followed his announcing his job title of Nuclear Science Technician: “Working with radiation hasn’t affected me at all…I’m 25.”

Dad enjoyed fishing and watching baseball, especially the Seattle Mariners. (Although, his heart would forever root for any Boston team!) As a gun enthusiast, he enjoyed going to the shooting range, and buying and selling collectible guns. He rarely left home without a hat on his head and was especially fond of his ‘WWII Veteran’ cap, ‘Retired Air Force’ cap, and his ‘Mary Mary's Cafe’ cap. He also enjoyed being a volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans Harmony Chapter 18.

Bernie is survived by his children, Michael “Steve” Schwartz, Richard “Rick” Schwartz, Sheerah “Sheri” (Chris) Waite, Baylee (Drake) Diedrich and Tovah (Michael) Super; and 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Schwartz; his sons, Nestor and Aaron Schwartz; his daughter, Amy Schwartz; his parents, Betsy and Morris Schwartz; his brothers, Fred and Lou Schwartz; and 2 of his grandchildren.

Dad, you will be missed by many!