Daniel R. Schwartz

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Herman and Mary (Blum) Schwartz. He attended Betsey B. Winslow Elementary School, New Bedford High School, and graduated from Dartmouth High School. He went on to study at Chamberlain College in Boston, the University of Baltimore, and the New England School of Acupuncture.

Dan was a dedicated acupuncturist for 38 years, maintaining his own practice, The Acupuncture Clinic of Daniel Schwartz. In addition to acupuncture, he was also an herbalist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bringing a holistic and deeply thoughtful approach to healing. He cared deeply for his patients and their well-being, forming lasting connections with many of those he treated. He remained connected to the field throughout his life and later served on the Board of Trustees of the New England School of Acupuncture.

In addition to his work in healing, Dan was a lifelong musician and accomplished percussionist, performing for over 50 years with numerous bands and ensembles throughout the South Coast and beyond. Known affectionately as “Dr. D,” a nickname earned not from his holistic work but from his role as “the rhythm doctor”, he had an amazing ability to shape and elevate the sound of any group he played with. He performed with many groups over the years, including Bobby Green & Coleus, The Whaling City Sound Super Band, the Stan Strickland Band, the Joel Hiller Band, The Nelson Brothers, Shaman John Meyerson, The Dori Rubicco & Butch McCarthy Band, Armistead Christian & Peaceful Flight, Dori Rubicco & Chris Richards, Neal McCarthy and Kenny Richards band, The Unitarian Church Bobby Greene Ensemble, The Corner Temple Choir with John Harrison, The Tifereth Israel Band, Olamot, where he performed alongside his sister, Jessica Schwartz, and many others. He also toured Cape Verde with the New England Cape Verde All-Star Review, and more recently performed with Last Day on Earth, the Southcoast Jazz Orchestra, and the Southcoast Brass Band.

Dan was known not only for his extraordinary musical ability, but for the spirit he brought to every performance. A deeply intuitive and versatile percussionist, he had a rare gift for listening and responding in the moment, blending seamlessly across styles and lifting the musicians around him. He approached music with humility and joy, always crediting others and remaining a lifelong student of his craft. Those who played with him knew his presence made the music more alive and connected.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Jessica Schwartz, daughter Rebecca McDonald and her husband, Jeremy; grandchildren Carson and Marlee McDonald and Damien Montague; his stepson, Eoghan McDonagh; his stepdaughter, Nicole Montague; his son-in-law James Montague III,and his former spouse, Joyce Schwartz.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Avenue, New Bedford, with interment to follow at Plainville Cemetery, 1400 Old Plainville Road, New Bedford. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via Zoom.

Shiva will be observed on Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14. Family will attend Mincha services at 5:45 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Congregation, with shiva continuing immediately following services until 7:30 p.m. in the small social hall.

Donations can be made to the newly created Dan Schwartz music scholarship, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-dan-schwartz-through-music?attribution_id=sl:a33261e2-e9c1-4fd2-89a5-df234a904694&lang=en_US&ts=1775847619&utm_campaign=man_today_first_time_share&utm_content=amp17_ta&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms or to Tifereth Israel Congregation, 145 Brownell Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02740

Arrangements are in the care of Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, Providence. For condolences, please visit www.sugarmansinai.com