Merlin "Mert" P. Schwartz

Our beloved father, Merlin “Mert” P. Schwartz, left his earthly presence and ascended to Heaven on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the age of 91, to forever rejoin his late wife, Mary. Up until the final two weeks of Merlin’s life, he remained active by going to the gym despite having significant physical limitations. Merlin was a true inspiration and hero to many, especially when he defied medical odds of surviving a broken neck and fractured skull in April 2021, and following an intensive rehabilitation, continued his exercise routine at a local gym, lifting weights, and working on nautilus equipment. To the amazement of medical personnel, Merlin also recovered from heart failure in 2018. Everyone who met Merlin admired his toughness, perseverance, humor, and kindness.

Merlin was born and raised in uptown New Orleans and attended St. Henry Catholic School. As a young man, Merlin joined the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War from 1950 until 1954. Merlin was a Helmsman on a light aircraft carrier, USS Monterey, and he worked on the flight deck during the war. Upon discharge, Merlin returned to home in New Orleans, briefly worked in Elmer’s Candy Company, where he met his wife, Mary, and remained married for 62 years and three months. He then became employed and retired from the NOPSI (New Orleans Public Service Incorporated) starting as a streetcar operator and bus driver, before being promoted to meter reading division. Following retirement, he worked as a boiler operator at the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Merlin didn’t have the opportunity to acquire formal education, but despite this, he was a skilled handyman, carpenter, painter, and he worked on projects to perfection. Merlin was an honorable and immensely generous man, dedicated to his family and he always worked tirelessly to be the best provider to his wife, Mary, and two children. Earlier in his life, Merlin loved to travel to the national parks with his family and he also enjoyed some fun-filled trips to Las Vegas. He had an indomitable spirit, he loved people and his family so very much. Everyone enjoyed Merlin’s fun-loving company, he had a very good singing voice and enjoyed singing old songs to his friends.

Following the passing of his wife, Mary, in 2018, Merlin’s grief was profound and every day for him was a struggle, but he found a way to continue to honor his wife. This world is surely a poorer place for his passing, but Merlin’s cares are now light and his burden is easy. He’s reunited with his beloved Mary and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Schwartz and Irma (Fioke) Schwartz; his brother, Daniel “Bubby” Schwartz, Jr.; and his sister, Pat Drago.

Merlin is survived by his two children, Darlene A. Schwartz, Merlin “Mert” P. Schwartz, Jr., and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge their sincere appreciation to the Sisters Servants of Mary, the New Orleans VA Medical Center, Dr. Joseph Miceli and Melanie Larsen.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass in the chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum.

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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***EULOGY FOR MERLIN "MERT" P. SCHWARTZ & READ BY SON & DAUGHTER***

Dad we are here to honor you, your life and express our deep appreciation for all your love through so many years. We are heartbroken but we know you are happy to join your beloved wife Mary, in Heaven. Dad you were such a loyal husband to Mom for over six decades and the best father Darlene and I could have. Your loyalty is especially remarkable given Mom’s poor health for over 3 decades. You helped Mom while she endured debilitating health issues, routinely demonstrating your compassion, tireless devotion, showing so many of us in real life, through actions and sacrifices, a heartwarming example of a real-life love story. After Mom’s passing in January 2018, you were always so proud to tell everyone how long you were married: 62 years and 3 months. You also kept saying, “I miss my wife, I miss your mother.” Losing you Dad is one of the most difficult things we will have to go through. But we also realize how fortunate we have been, for so long, to have such a hard-working, dedicated, loyal husband and parent, who always found a way to show your love for us.

Dad you were so generous in wanting to treat your family and others to something even though you had modest means. When we were kids, you took us on exciting vacations to the national parks out west, and Disney World. You showed us at an early age the beauty of the great Rocky Mountains, how to have fun, explore the National Parks, and the excitement of driving a car through all the scenic byways.

Our Dad was the toughest, most resilient man who always overcame the long odds. He illustrated this trait in April of 2021, when he fell and broke his neck, fractured his skull, and had bleeding on his brain. He ultimately recovered in months and started walking and going to the gym. The toughest man we have ever known.

Dad, despite the fact you had no advanced education, you were very clever when it came to fixing up the houses we lived in; a perfectionist with boundless energy. You had an unbelievable ability to improvise repairing things relying only on your own ingenuity, with a desire to make it last 100 years.

As kids, we will remember your great bedtime stories, which seemed so real because of your out-of-the-world imagination. We will miss you taking care of us and us taking care of you. We will miss your great advice, your passion for life, your humor, including making fun of yourself, and most importantly your love of Mom, and us.

Dad, we thank you for volunteering to serve our Nation as a 20-year-old, in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. We remember one story you said while working on the flight deck preparing the propeller planes for take-off and landing, the temperature dropped to 25 degrees below zero, and the ship was frozen in the water and also how you were commended by the Commanding Officer for your skill as a Helmsman. We appreciate your sacrifice and bravery in serving our country.

For every beginning, there is an ending and for every ending, there is a beginning. Dad your earthly journey is complete. Now you begin a new journey that will be filled with peace and no more pain.

Dad we will honor your life by going on and making the most of our lives. That’s the way you would want it. We will make you proud. We love you; we will forever miss you; and, we thank you from the depths of our hearts for everything you provided for us to have a good life. You are our hero. Well done Dad! May God Bless you.