Funeral Details

Gerald (Jerry) David Schwartz died on Friday, January 25 at age 73. Loving father to Jody (Diana Mirel) and Jason (Heather). Adoring grandfather to Zoe, Zachary and Ean. Brother to Robert (Bob) Schwartz.
Jerry had a distinguished career in real estate. Starting in Washington, DC, with Gladstone Associates, LLC. Moving to Chicago, he started at A. Epstein and Sons and then partnered with Stan Bressler to complete notable local projects, including the Terraces of Mulberry in Highland Park and converting the old Highwood swimming pool into the current commercial shopping center, before moving into private practice. In retirement, he brought his expertise to Habitat for Humanity Lake County where he was actively involved in completing numerous projects and serving as a dedicated Board member.
Jerry attended Francis W. Parker School in Chicago through high school and stayed close with his Parker friends. He was recently delighted to attend his 50th reunion this fall. He received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from his beloved University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Jerry had an incredible passion for experiencing life. His favorite passions included travel, bridge, tennis and supporting his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Cubs and Wisconsin Badgers. In the past eight years, he traveled to every continent in the world (except Antarctica), fully immersing himself into the cultures and traditions of each place he visited. He then enthusiastically shared his experiences with family and friends, opening their eyes and hearts to the world he so enjoyed. Jerry was a Silver Life Master in Bridge, narrowly missing Ruby Life Master. He was an avid tennis player and played morning doubles at Sunset Park for many years, always bringing along his beloved dog, Lucy. Jerry never missed a chance to watch his Chicago Cubs play and spent many days and nights at Wrigley Field. He was thrilled to watch them win multiple playoff games. He went to the Rose Bowl and Parade the last time the Wisconsin Badgers played.
Grandpa J, as he was affectionately known, was loved and adored by his grandchildren. A consistent refrain echoed, "When is Grandpa J coming to babysit?". They eagerly awaited his travel stories, always infused with life lessons and cultural intricacies that could not be read in a book. A main babysitting event was helping him make his legendary silver dollar pancakes in the morning. Jerry beamed around his grandchildren and offered them unwavering love, comfort and laughter.
Jerry was an amazing father and a pillar of support for his family. He gave his sons unending love and support, from cheering them on in countless soccer and volleyball games to being a constant source of support as they raised families of their own, his love and support never wavered. He masterfully instilled his sons with the value of family and the importance of following your passions.
Jerry was preceded by his parents Sam and Ruth. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Bob) Schwartz of Sisters, Oregon, sons Jody (Diana Mirel) of Oak Park, IL, and Jason (Heather) of Hanover Park, IL, and grandchildren Zoe, Zachary and Ean. He also leaves behind dear friends, Shena Austin of Apollo Beach, FL, and Lisa Schwartz of Deerfield, IL. Service Thursday at 1PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road (One block north of Lake Cook Road) Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Habitat for Humanity - Lake County in memory/honor of Jerry. Arrangements by: Chicago Jewish Funerals, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com