Obituary of The Rev’d Robert Carl Schwarz

The Rev’d Robert Carl Schwarz, 73, of Equinunk, PA, died on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Julia Ribaudo Extended Care Center, Lake Ariel, PA. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeanne (Andrews) Schwarz; they were married June 17, 1972. Born Thursday, January 3, 1952, in South Ardmore, PA, Rob was the son of the late Carl Robert Schwarz and Virginia Ann (Nolte) Schwarz Temple. He was also preceded in death by his nephew John Robert Schwartz. Rob received a Master of Divinity degree at the School of Theology, Sewanee, TN, and an STM from General Seminary in New York City. He was a priest for the people wherever he went: St Clement’s Church, Greenville, PA; St Luke’s Church, Milwaukee, WI; he served St Jacques, Pétionville, and administered The Partnership Program between Episcopal Churches and Schools in the US and Episcopal Schools throughout Haïti. Rob served numerous churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania; as interim priest at numerous Episcopal churches in the Diocese of New York; and people on the streets. He knew their names, helped them however he could. During his time in NYC, Rob served as a chaplain to the NYPD and FDNY after the events of September 11, 2001. Rob blessed remains, counseled grieving members of the community, and honored lives lost. Rob’s ministry culminated in serving St James Church, Mobridge, and as priest-in-charge for the Standing Rock Episcopal Mission, South Dakota. Rob was also an Oblate of the Order of Julian of Norwich. Rob loved God and all his people. Rob was a devoted husband and father who loved and guided his family through many adventures. Surviving are four children: Gretchen Schwarz and her husband Robert Mrozek, of Brooklyn, NY; Mariah Schwarz, of Brooklyn, NY; Katherine Schwarz, of Los Angeles, CA; and Karl Schwarz, of New York, NY; and five grandchildren: Faye, Rafael, August, Hazel, and Auden. He is also survived by two sisters, Susan Lee Jones and Janet Stack, and Hunka sister, Gayle Henry. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Grace Episcopal Church, 827 Church St., Honesdale at 4 pm with The Rev’d Jay O’Rear officiating. His funeral and interment will be at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3625 Chapel Road, Newtown Square, PA, on June 17, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota https://www.episcopalchurchsd.org or The Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/.