Leo Schwartz

Leo Schwartz, 85, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Thursday, March 9, 2006 at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Sunday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at B’nai Shalom Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Memorials may be made to Temple B’nai Shalom, Animal Aid, or The Salvation Army. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Schwartz was born May 29, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Max & Mary (Wexler) Schwartz. On December 21, 1941, he married the former Sylvia Friedman in Benton Harbor. Leo served his country in the Army Air Corp during WWII, attaining the rank of Staff Seargent. Leo was an accountant in the twin cities for over 50 years, operating Leo Schwartz Accounting. He was a member of Temple B’nai Shalom, Michigan Independent Accounting Association, and a member of the YMCA for over 50 years. He enjoyed tennis, swimming, 10 speed bicycling, travel, music, the Chicago Cubs, and MSU Spartan basketball. Leo and his wife volunteered at Lakeland Hospital in the general store. He was a humble man, yet proud of his and his families accomplishments. Leo always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. Leo is survived by his wife Sylvia; two sons-Steven (Marcia) Schwartz of West Bloomfield, MI, Bennett (Debra) Schwartz of Stevensville; five grandchildren-Erin, Jonas, Gabriel, Katie, & Michael Schwartz; and a brother Martin (Ann) Schwartz of Chicago. He was preceded in death by his parents.