Sherwin A Swartz

Sherwin was the devoted son of the late Maurice and Lydia (nee Perper) Swartz; loving brother of Roslyn (Jerome) Pauker; beloved uncle of Carol, Candy, Joseph (Lisa) and Ellen; and grand uncle of Lucy, Clyde, Charles and Olivia.

He attended Roosevelt University where he graduated with a history degree. Sherwin joined the Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI) in 1953 and worked in the organization for more than 2 decades. He became a key Chicago-area figure and mentor to Illinois political volunteers, sharing his knowledge of day-to-day political organizing and grassroots campaigning.

He moved to Springfield in 1978 as a worker in the Illinois General Assembly, he became a valuable member of the Illinois House Republican staff. Sherwin was a baseball fan and could recite every stat. In 1998 he played a critical role in enabling the White Sox to stay in Chicago by helping to enact the legislation required to build a new stadium.

Sherwin was generous with his knowledge and experience. He mentored many, and although he retired in 1991, he continued to counsel and guide House Republican members and staff.

Sherwin had an inquiring mind and an incredible capacity for information. He was a reader and a lover of music - for many years he had season tickets to the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Sherwin visited every state and many countries and could tell you details about trips taken decades in the past.

Throughout his life, Sherwin engendered great loyalty and love, and had a group of fast friends in Springfield, most of whom he had worked with. This incredible group of people became his Springfield family who supported him as he aged and made him comfortable in his last days. We are forever grateful.

There will be a graveside service at the Zion Gardens Cemetery in Chicago on Wednesday, April15 at 1:00. Family and friends are invited to gather following the service at Max and Benny’s.

Donations in his name can be made to the Lyric Opera of Chicago (www.lyricopera.org/), or to a charity of your choice.