Louis Schwartz

Lou was born on June 22, 1928. He grew up in the Bronx, New York, as the son of first generation, Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Lou, then known to his friends as "Whitey" for his blonde hair, loved baseball, and excelled as a star pitcher at Haaren High School; he continued his passion for the sport during college and while serving in the U.S. Army. After ascending to the rank of Corporal he was honorably discharged in 1947. Lou then took advantage of the new G. I. Bill and enrolled in New York University. He graduated from NYU with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts and master's in School Psychology. In 1952, Lou met the love of his life, Rhea Bernstein, at a Jewish Community-sponsored dance in Queens, NY, and they began their wonderful life together.

Lou found a passion in advocating for the rights of children with special needs. As a pioneer in the area of Special Education at Columbia University, he was awarded one of the first Doctorate degrees in the field. He directed the first sheltered workshop for exceptional adults in Newark, New Jersey, and subsequently served as Assistant Superintendent for the Johnstone Training and Research Center in Bordentown, NJ. He was a Professor of Special Education at Trenton State College for ten years, and in 1968 accepted a position as Professor of Special Education at Florida State University.

While teaching at Florida State University, he was included in the introduction of individualized computing, and the advent of Tallahassee FreeNet, an early build of the World Wide Web. Throughout his career he used many different advances in technology to better instruct his students.

After 35 years at Florida State, Lou retired into an active life of consulting. Lou also took great pride in his service as a mediator in the Leon County Small Claims Court.

Lou's energetic personality, zest, and his perennial, unwavering positive outlook on life, set an example for us all. His greatest joy was traveling and enjoying time with Rhea, his children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Lou was predeceased by his parents, Morres and Rose Schwartz, his Aunt Eva, sister Helen Marcus and granddaughter, Shira Brownstein. To his legacy, he leaves a large and loving family: his loving wife of almost 59 years, Rhea; daughters Selde Schwartz Reed (Randy), Beth Schwartz Robinson (Josh), Mimi Schwartz Molina (Hank), Patti Schwartz Brownstein (Fred), and sons Evan Yisrael Chaim Schwartz and Darren Schwartz (Michelle); 11 grandchildren - Ariel, Vera, Henry, Naomi, Alex, Ben, Rachel, Jordan, Emily, Jacob, and Bryan; niece Sherri Marcus Hollister and nephews Jeffery Marcus, Avron and David Bernstein; plus dear cousins and a community of close and special friends.

A celebratory service of Lou's life will be held Sunday, October 9, at 4:00 p.m. at Culley's MeadowWood Chapel, Timberlane Road, Tallahassee. Interment follows at Roselawn Cemetery, Piedmont Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Israel, Shomrei Torah, Chabad at Tallahassee, and Camp Shalom of Tallahassee.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.