Rhode Island lost a true native son on Sunday, January 18, 2015 with the passing of Thomas J. (TJ) Schwartz. TJ was the loving husband of almost 23 years and best friend of Carrie E. (Gorman) Schwartz.
Born in Providence, he was a son of Allen B. Schwartz of Smithfield and the late Lena (Pinga) Schwartz. A graduate of Smithfield High School and Providence College Class of 1975 he had a lifelong love of music. This was never more evident than when he was on stage with his fellow band members “THE NAKEDS” playing his baritone saxophone entertaining thousands by providing that unique rhythm & blues sound so loved by the fans. TJ often shared the touring stage with the late Clarence Clemens saxophonist of the Bruce Springsteen Band.
A math teacher at Woonsocket Middle School he saw his teaching role as a serious commitment and had a knack for turning abstract principles into real life examples for his students. TJ’s Mom passed on her love for Italian cuisine to her son who proved an apt pupil. Anyone who’d tasted his meatballs and pasta knew that they were experiencing a little bit of Italy at TJ and Carrie’s table. A gentle soul who rarely lost his temper he was a true Patriot’s fan, enjoyed golf, loved scratch tickets, Monty Python and especially the Three Stooges and not necessarily in that order.
In addition to his wife and father, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Ella E. Schwartz. He also leaves his five siblings Stephen Schwartz of CA, James Schwartz of Smithfield, Catherine Schwartz of North Providence, Carol Schwartz of North Providence, and Christopher Schwartz of Cranston. In addition he leaves his loyal companions Mayflower, Pilgrim and Muffin.
His Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Saturday at 8:30am from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Eugene Church, 1251 Putnam Pike, Chepachet. Burial will be in Acotes Hill Cemetery, Chepachet. Visitation Friday 4-8pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association. American Heart Association