Kenneth E Schwarz

Kenneth E Schwarz died peacefully, at the age of 90, on May 1, 2018 at his Prescott, Arizona home with his loving family surrounding him. Born to Arthur A.(Bud) Schwarz and Sally O’Kane Schwarz in 1927 in Oakland, California.

Ken spent his growing-up years in Oakland and Healdsburg, California. Ken, proudly served his country during WW2 in the 2nd Engineers Special Brigade, as a short wave radio operator. His many memories of that time remained fresh in his mind through out his life. 

After his army service he attended Santa Clara University, graduating in 1950, with a Science degree in Electrical Engineering. His engineering classmates remained his close friends during his life. Ken especially enjoyed the annual engineering reunions of the class of ’50 held for the past sixty-eight years. 

Ken married his college sweetheart, Jeanne Kelleher, in San Francisco in September 1950 and they have celebrated 67 years in love together. They lived in Northern and Central California, while raising five children. Ken designed and manufacturedswitchboards for commercial buildings and other applications. 

After his retirement Jeanne and Ken relocated to Tucson, Arizona. Ken enjoyed his retirement by traveling though all 50 states, Canada and parts of Mexico for 9 years in their motor home. 

In 2004 they moved to Prescott, Ken’s favorite place in the world, He volunteered for ten years at St. Vincent de Paul and was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Playing a little golf, walking on the winding streets of The Mountain Club, reading many good books, and continuing to travel were his favorite things. 

Friends and family will remember Ken for his keen mind, “terrible puns”, great knowledge of history, wry smile and for his quiet kindness. 

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; daughters, Kathleen Schwarz, Carolyn Schwarz (Mike Cole) and Linda Schwarz Bedard. Also survived by his younger brother, Dave Schwarz (Mary), Seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Ken was predeceased by his daughter, Peggy Schwarz and his son, Jerry Schwarz, two brothers, Bob and Richard and his sister, Margaret Schwarz Puccioni. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Prescott. 

The family thanks Morris Health, Maggies Hospice and the caregivers of Synergy Home Care for their loving care of Ken.