Richard Arthur Schwartz

Richard A. Schwartz, Esq., a dedicated husband and father, died peacefully at home on June 25, 2026, at age 89. He was a brilliant and kind man who lived life with humility, grace, love for his family, and a passion for the law. Mr. Schwartz was a beloved member of the Daytona Beach legal community practicing law for over 50 years.

Mr. Schwartz was born in Middletown, New York, and moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, with his mother, Jean Schwartz, during World War II. His father, Arthur Schwartz, MD, was a renowned specialist in nuclear medicine and forensic pathology, who served as the county’s very first coroner, and was appointed as medical examiner for the Seventh Judicial Circuit. Dr. Arthur Schwartz was credited with saving Winston Churchill’s life while serving as an Army pathologist in World War II.

Mr. Schwartz studied in Colorado at University of Denver with a degree in Political Science and went on to graduate from the University of Toledo Law School. After becoming a member of The Florida Bar in 1964, Mr. Schwartz’s very first case as a practicing Attorney involved defending an African American man from being wrongly accused of raping a white woman. His successful criminal defense of this man was revered in the community and made him a legal legend with a devoted following ever since. Mr. Schwartz was a pioneer in the field of Social Security Disability and one of the very first attorneys to practice Social Security Disability law and is credited with teaching many other well-known law firms how to practice Social Security Disability law. Mr. Schwartz was also instrumental in developing the way that attorney fees were structured for Social Security Disability cases.

Outside of his professional life, Ricky’s (as his family and friends called him) greatest joy was his family. As a devoted husband and doting father, Ricky spent time sharing his daughter’s passions and pursuits and was equally thrilled to share the joy of watching his grandchildren grow. It gave him enormous pride to see his children and grandchildren follow the family legacy of serving the community. Presently, his daughter, Katherine, is following in his footsteps practicing Social Security Disability Law in Ormond Beach. Daughter, Jeannie is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Colorado, granddaughter Jessica is completing her medical training and soon to be a Doctor of Optometry. Grandson Robert Arthur is attending Wolf Law School in Boulder, Colorado, and Grandson Anderson (3 years old) misses his “grampy” dearly. He also enjoyed a strong relationship with his wonderful son-in-laws, Brian Metz, MD and Ronald Reeves Jr.

Ricky also loved fishing in Mosquito Lagoon, listening to Jazz, History, and being greeted at the door by his beloved dogs and cats.

Richard A. Schwartz leaves behind beloved wife and best friend, Nanette Schwartz, daughters Jeannie Metz (Brian), Katherine Schwartz, Esq., (Ronnie), and grandchildren Jessica Metz, Robert Arthur Metz, Anderson Grey Reeves, and step-granddaughter Madelyn Reeves. He was preceded in death by his sister Reva Wise and by his beautiful daughter, Caroline, who he will be laid to rest next to.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Temple Beth-El, in Richard’s name. A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 30th at 11:00 am at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach FL 32174.