Robert John Schwarz Jr.

Robert John Schwarz Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on November 18, 1939, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach, California, to Ethel and Robert J. Schwarz. A man of deep devotion to family, service, and community, Bob’s life was defined by his unwavering love for his loved ones and his steadfast work ethic.

Bob was raised in a Navy family, with his father, Robert J. Schwarz,  serving as a career Navy man and a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Oklahoma. As a child, Bob lived in various places due to the Navy moving his family around, including Portsmouth, VI; Kodiak, AK; and Astoria, OR, before settling in Oakland, CA, in 1952. He graduated from Bishop O’Dowd Catholic High School in 1958 and briefly attended St. Mary’s College before enlisting in the United States Air Force. From 1959 to 1963, Bob served as a weatherman stationed in Iceland and at Hamilton Air Force Base in California.

In 1961, Bob married Kathleen Schmidt, and together they had three children. After their marriage ended, he later met Lesly, the love of his life, while bowling in a league. They wed and raised six children together: Laura, Julie, Renee, Lori, Steven, and Amy. Their blended family grew to include 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, with an 8th great-grandchild on the way.

Bob’s career in the automotive industry began in 1963 and spanned five decades. He worked at Firestone, Goodyear, Don Signer Buick, Montgomery Wards, Costco Tire Center, Mark Morris Tire, and retired from his favorite job at Cox Manheim San Francisco Bay Auto Auction. His passion for service extended beyond his career. He managed Mowry Lanes for a time, and his love for bowling continued throughout his life, both as a bowler and a league member with Lesly at Lido Lanes in Newark. They were also members of the Lido Lanes Match Club and enjoyed competing against other bowling clubs in the Bay Area.

A dedicated family man, Bob loved to watch his children and grandchildren participate in their sporting events and activities. He was a devoted coach, leading his son’s Little League team and his daughters’ Bobby Sox team. His enthusiasm for family life extended to camping trips, road trips, cruises, and yearly trips to the drag races and NASCAR events at Sonoma Raceway.

Bob’s love for gambling was a well-known part of his personality, whether playing the lottery or frequenting his favorite slot machines at Cache Creek and Jackson Rancheria Casinos. In his later years, he moved into Fremont Hills Senior Living, he continued to enjoy life, making friends with residents and staff alike. He took part in weekly poker games, played in the football pools, and enjoyed exercise classes. Bob also loved spending time on the sunny deck, sharing stories with friends and fellow residents. He supported his favorite sports teams—especially the 49ers and women’s college softball. At home, he would unwind in his recliner, reading his local newspaper and staying connected to the world around him on Facebook.

Bob was a constant source of love, encouragement, and humor. His family will forever cherish the moments spent listening to his stories, laughing at his jokes, and feeling his unwavering support for their futures. His love for them was truly boundless.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Lesly Schwarz; his daughter, Laura Donaldson; his parents, Ethel and Robert J. Schwarz;  his sister, Sandra Hazelhofer and his grandson, Garrett Baca.  He is survived by his children Julie Mulhern (Pat), Renee Baca (Daniel), Lori Becker, Steven Schwarz (Sandra), and Amy Taitano (Rob), his 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 5 siblings and their families.  His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kaiser and Fremont Hills for their loving care and support, ensuring that Bob remained comfortable and well cared for in his final years.

Bob was our biggest fan, our steady cheerleader, and our beloved patriarch. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him.

A service will be held at Berge Pappas Smith Chapel of the Angels, 40842 Fremont Blvd.,  Fremont, CA on Saturday, April 26, 2025,  from 12-4pm with a Celebration of Life starting at 1pm.

Flowers can be sent to the mortuary on that day or in lieu of flowers you can donate to:

HERS Breast Cancer Foundation

2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite 130

Fremont CA 94538

https://tinyurl.com/HERSPayPal