Mr. Gerald Thomas Schwarz

Gerald T. Schwarz, formerly of Villa Park, IL passed away on Saturday, December 31st, 2022 after a long battle with lymphoma and complicated by many other factors.  Gerry, as he is affectionately known by his family, was predeceased by his wife Peggy, his parents, Edward and Lois (nee Johanns), and his older brother, Edward.  He is survived by his loving sisters and brother, Donna Ewing (Robert – deceased), Lewis (Marilynn), and Lynae Bombaro (Ralph).  He was the loving uncle to Tim, Steve, and Christopher (deceased), Scott, Eric, Lora, Mark, Christine & Edward and their spouses.  He was a great Uncle to 16 and a Great great Uncle to 4.  He was loved by manyand he loved everyone.  Gerry was born in Oak Park, Illinois on September 23, 1945.  He was discovered to be profoundly deaf at the age of three.  He attended Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville, Illinois and then subsequently Lutheran School for the Deaf in Michigan.  His language was American Sign Language and at one time was part of a Deaf Choir.  He worked for Cravens Label Holder Company for over 20 years which was owned by a blind man who mentored Gerry.A blind and a deaf man working together. He loved Lionel trains and was part of a train club in Ocala.  He was a jig saw puzzle protégé with many assembled, decoupaged, and mounted on foam board.  He volunteered at (name of Donna’s church Inserted here)helping to distribute food to people in need.  He attended (name of his church inserted here) in Ocala.  His cremated remains will be brought to Illinois and be placed with his parents.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lymphoma Foundation at lymphoma.org.  

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