Donald Schwarz

Don passed away peacefully Monday, May 29, 2023 at the age of 93.

Don was born September 22, 1929 to Anthony and Catherine (Durham) Schwarz in Cincinnati, OH.

In 1947 he graduated from Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, OH. He then attended Miami University in Oxford, OH for one year, and transferred to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, to study industrial design. He graduated from Pratt in 1952. He went on to work for a short time in Connecticut before being drafted into the Army. In 1954, upon his discharge from the Service, he married the love of his life, Anastasia Malamas. Together they moved to Detroit, MI, where he worked as a designer at General Motors. He retired in 1994 ultimately serving as the Executive Designer of General Motors Truck Design.

After residing in Michigan for 45 years, Ana and Don retired to Hilton Head Island, SC, where they lived for almost 20 years. Eventually they moved to New Jersey to live with their daughter, Thea, and son-in-law, Nigel, before moving once again, to Colorado.

Don was an avid golfer and played for well over 60 years. When he was 71, he shot his age, which is quite an accomplishment. He excelled in many creative endeavors. He was a prolific photographer, transitioning from film photography to digital photography after his retirement. He created amazing computer composite photos which he entered into many art competitions. He also designed and built a vastly detailed model train set, a Victorian doll house, and created dozens of Halloween costumes for his daughters throughout the years. His most recent projects included carving and painting miniature birds, and authoring several books. He loved music, art, travel, and all things France, in addition to his family.

He is survived by his daughters: Lisa DuBois of Kent OH, Thea (Nigel) Anderson of Aurora, CO, and Ella (Dan) Schwarz-Parisi of Tallahassee FL; five granddaughters: Hali, Hana, Gabriella, Claudia, and Kaela; and one great-grandson, Logan. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine (Durham) Schwarz Love and Anthony Schwarz; his stepfather, Perry Love; his half-brother, Jackson Schwarz Wegelin; and his Beloved wife, Anastasia (Malamas) Schwarz.

Per the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Donald Joseph Schwarz, to the Pratt Institute Endowed Scholarship Fund of Donald J and Anastasia Schwarz at Pratt Institute, Office of Institutional Advancement, 200 Willoughby Avenue, Myrtle Hall 3E, Brooklyn, NY 11205.