Obituaries

Edward “Eddie” Robert Schwarz, age 88, of North Fort Myers, Florida, died on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his summer home in Brimley, Michigan. He was born on October 16, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Frances (Baldas) Chwarzynski.

Eddie grew up in Chicago and attended Carl Schurz High School. After graduation he attended Wilbur Wright College and joined the United States Army National Guard. Eddie joined the police academy where he served for 30 years before retiring in the late 1980s. He met his beautiful wife Katherine, they married on August 1, 1965, and raised their two children together in Chicago. Eddie and Kathy later retired to North Fort Myers.

Eddie was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, Saint Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church, and the Moose Lodge of Southwest Florida. He was also an ordained minister in the Universal Life Church and performed weddings in that role.

Eddie loved vintage automobiles, especially Ford Thunderbirds. He had an expert knowledge of the cars and hosted regional gatherings on his property in Antioch, Illinois. He was also a writer and enjoyed documenting his memoirs in his book, “My Chicago.” Eddie also loved buying and selling antiques and vintage items in North Fort Myers. He was passionate about music, played the piano and organ, and wrote many songs, including, “My Kathy”, a love song to his dear wife.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, Steven (Reena Levin) Schwarz of Chicago; daughter, Christine (Mark) Winger of Bartlett, Illinois; granddaughter, Samantha F. Winger; sister, Janet Marlo of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances Chwarzynski, and brother, Walter Chwarzynski.

Per Eddie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. No services will be held at this time.

Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.