William Patrick Schwartz

SCHWARTZ, WILLIAM P. 4/22/1928 - 12/22/2012

Bill Schwartz; of San Jacinto, formerly of Cypress, passed away December 22nd from complications of diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease. Predeceased by his first wife, Patricia Canney Schwartz and by son Peter, Bill is survived by his lovingly devoted bride of 45 years, Jean; and by sons Bill (Vicky), Chris (Sonia), Tim (Lisa), Rick and Steve; as well as daughters Lynda Goldman (Ben), Katie Gainer, Lisa, Patty Rudzitis (Phil) and Maria; and by step-children Christine Miner (Joe), Marsha Phillips (Pat), Debbie VanDeripe and Jack Lillico; 26 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Bill was born in Buffalo, New York in 1928. At the age of 15 he ran away from home, changed the year on his birth certificate and joined the Navy, serving in WWII "for the duration of the war plus 6 months". He fought in the Philippines, sleeping in trees and leading a small group of Filipino freedom fighters in Leyte, Mindanao, Samar and other islands. He also participated, as the helmsman of landing crafts, in many of the amphibious landings in battles in the South Pacific.

Bill's next years were spent finishing his education at SUNY – Buffalo, building his career in business and nurturing his fast growing family. After the sudden loss of his first wife, Bill was fortunate to find love again and married Jean Pfeiffer Lillico in 1967.

Coming to southern California in 1968 on a 6 month assignment related to the Minuteman Project, he and Jean quickly decided that this was where they wanted to live, raise their family and grow old together. They did just that over four and a-half decades, with a detour in the 1990s when they relocated to Florida while Bill was Rockwell Corporation's Director of Operations at Kennedy Space Center.

Bill's lifelong quest for knowledge was fed by his love of books, history, nature, gardening and music. He was a responsible no-nonsense man of conviction with a "silver tongue", charming, funny, infinitely loyal and protective of his family. Even with his cognitive abilities diminished, in his last weeks he was still concerned with his family, constantly asking for assurances that all were well.

Bill leaves this life respected by those from his professional life and treasured by those who loved him. Much more can be said of him, but most of all this: He made a difference. He is loved. He will be missed. He will be remembered.

Memorial Service to be held Saturday, January 5th at 2:30pm in the Hope Chapel at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress.