Eugene Schwartz
October 24, 1928 ~ December 18, 2022
Born in:
Brooklyn, NY
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Eugene Schwartz, 94, passed away on December 18, 2022 after a short illness.
He leaves three daughters, Susan Schwartz, Barbara Lynne Schwartz and Elyse Pipitone and son-in-law, Paul Pipitone. He’ll be reunited in heaven with his adored wife, Leila, who he missed everyday.
Eugene had many friends who loved him, and he never met a stranger.
In addition to his amazing ability to make new friends, even in old age, Eugene also was a wonderful piano player. He could play classical music flawlessly by ear, as he never learned to read music.
He love the simple things in life and always expressed his gratitude. He enjoyed Judge Judy, Grieg’s Piano Concerto, and The Apollo Flame Bistro.
His great sense of humor kept everyone laughing. He was an optimist whose positivity rubbed off on everyone.
The family wishes to express their thanks to CarePartners and to Jewish Family Services and the The JCC for their loving care and friendship over the years.
Graveside services for Mr. Schwartz will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Susan, Barbara and Elyse,
I am so sorry for your loss. Eugene was a true light. He brightened our weeks during JFS Elder Club, whether in person or on Zoom–his willingness to continue attending online during the pandemic was a testament to his determination and your dedication to keeping him involved and engaged. His zest for life was contagious and inspirational. We loved to hear him talk about the three of you and your mother. Please know my thoughts are with you and his memory will continue to be a blessing. Jessica Whitehill
Dear Jessica,
Thank you for your beautiful words and for the poem you shared. They provide comfort at this difficult time. We are so proud to be his daughters.
With much appreciation,
Susan & Lynne Schwartz and Elyse Pipitone
Let us agree
for now
that we will not say
the breaking
makes us stronger
or that it is better
to have this pain
than to have done
without this love.
Let us promise
we will not
tell ourselves
time will heal
the wound,
when every day
our waking
opens it anew.
Perhaps for now
it can be enough
to simply marvel
at the mystery
of how a heart
so broken
can go on beating,
as if it were made
for precisely this—
as if it knows
the only cure for love
is more of it,
as if it sees
the heart’s sole remedy
for breaking
is to love still,
as if it trusts
that its own
persistent pulse
is the rhythm
of a blessing
we cannot
begin to fathom
but will save us
nonetheless.
From “The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief”
by Jan Richardson
May your memories of Eugene always bring you blessings!
Thank you dear Barry for your kind words.
We met Gene through his wonderful daughter and my colleague, Elysse. When we retired to Asheville, we would sometimes join the family for a delightful meal at one of his favorite restaurants. (Note “one of.” He had lots of favorite places, and the eyes of every waiter lit up when they saw him walk in).
What a delightful human being Gene was. I remember when our son Jay, who was relatively young at the time, was included in a lunch in downtown Asheville. As we were on our way home, Jay said, “Wow! That guy reaffirms my belief in the goodness of mankind!”
Such a gift. All those who are with him in heaven must be having a ball!
Diane and Jim, thank you for this loving and heartfelt tribute to Dad.
Elyse, Susan and Lynne