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Lynne Cornwell Long posted a condolence
Sunday, September 30, 2018
My condolences to the entire Schwartz family.
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Gail Shortsleeve Ellis posted a condolence
Friday, September 28, 2018
Mr. Schwartz made English interesting and fun, a teacher who connected with his students. I still remember him putting a not very confident me at ease when giving a speech in class. Thank you, Mr. Schwartz (class of 1964)
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Matthew D. Sissman (SHSCO1981) posted a condolence
Thursday, September 27, 2018
He was the greatest. As long as I live, I will remember him reading Rabbie Burns' poetry in authentic Irish Brogue. RIP to a giant who will live in my memory for the rest of my life.
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Susan Lunow posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
What a great person...always friendly and good-hearted and willing to assist. Often he gave kids (including myself) a ride to or from youth group. Thanks Jack!
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Phil Rice posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
How do you define greatness in a man? It has little or nothing to do with fame or fortune, with power or its influence; true greatness rests in the way he touches the lives of others, with seeming effortlessness, with unforced empathy, with kindness, with humor, with love.
Jack Schwartz passed away yesterday. He was a truly great man.
When I arrived, an inexperienced kid, to teach at Shaker High School some forty-six years ago this fall, it was Jack who first made me feel welcome, Jack who took me under his wing and taught me, with his peerless sense of humor and by his constant example, what it means to be a teacher. No education course or Methods book could ever explain the vital importance to a successful teacher of camaraderie among the faculty. My colleagues from those times will understand when I recall things like “the Swiss Cafe” and the famous “Electricity Shop final exam.” Whenever things looked bleak, there was Jack with a smile or a joke. Make no mistake, though, he cared deeply about his profession (as evidenced, too, by his tenacity and dedication as a Union leader) and connected with his students in ways that could ease their anxieties and smooth their way to learning.
Jack was, and will always be, “The Grand Buddha,” friend and mentor to generations. We shared our love of Union College football and hockey, of the “Swiss language,” and, yes, of each other. As my son said this morning, we all need to do a “grand right and left” for Jack - that ritual he invented and led every year at the “Buddha” camping trip he christened “The Black Fly Festival” - a ritual done half tongue-in-cheek but rooted in the real connection of friends from vastly different backgrounds and generations accepting each other with a warm handshake and a heartfelt smile.
That was Jack Schwartz and he was a great man.
Guten Voyage, Jack. So many lives would have been so diminished without you.
Phil
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Phil Rice posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
I’m so sorry I can’t be there to celebrate Jack’s life with friends and family. A doctor’s appointment in NYC has me too far away. My deepest sympathy to Jack’s children and grandchildren. I have left a copy of the tribute I posted on Facebook in the Memory section.
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Fred Sievers posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
I first met "Mr Schwartz" as a student at Shaker some 50+ years ago. While I was not a great English student, I ( as did most of the other kids) had a great relationship with Mr. Schwartz. There was enough influence there that I would remember him and his guidance up to this day.
Interestingly, our relationship did not end when I graduated from Shaker in 1964. My family used to camp on a small lake in the Tupper Lake/Saranac Lake area known as Little Green Pond. As it turned out, "Jack" was occasionally at the camp next to us. We met there on several occasions and reflected on the old days.
Later, another friend became a teacher at Shaker and developed a friendship with Jack. Again we had a chance to interact.
I haven't seen, talked to or heard about Jack in many years One morning this past week, I woke up and told my wife I had a strange dream that night. For some reason we had a party at our house where the friend mentioned above and Jack were at. I was totally at a loss to explain what this was all about until today
Mr Schwartz "Jack" was a good man who I am honored to have known
Fred Sievers.
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John and Ellen Weatherwax posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with John's family during this difficult time. Although we did not have the opportunity to enjoy John's company personally we have spent time with his daughter, son-in-law, and grand children. John has left a great legacy for all to share through his family.
John and Ellen Weatherwax, Westfield MA
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Barbara Strand posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
I worked at Shaker High School - he was a great man. So sorry for your loss
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Jean Fowley posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Paul.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2018
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Tuesday, September 25, 2018
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Tuesday, September 25, 2018
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Jacqueline H Smith purchased flowers
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
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Jones Funeral Home, Inc.
2020 Central Avenue
Colonie, New York 12205
Phone: (518) 346-3881
Fax: (518) 346-3881
Email: JonesFuneralHome@aol.com
