Craig S. Schwarz

Craig S. Schwarz

The world lost an extraordinary man when, at the age of 74, Craig S. Schwarz of New Lenox, IL passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in the late hours of Thanksgiving night. Gratefully, both the holiday and the day prior were wonderful days spent with his favorite people. At Thanksgiving dinner, the family had raised their glasses in a toast to Craig. They were deeply grateful he had successfully completed treatment for prostate cancer and wanted him to know how much he meant to all of them.

Craig was born in Chicago, IL to the late Robert L. and Joan A. (nee Monks) Schwarz. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Janice (nee Novak). Back in August, Craig and Janice celebrated the 50th anniversary of the best decision each of them have ever made.

The title “World’s Greatest Dad” will be retiring with Craig. Julie (Matthew) Straley, Carrie Schwarz, and Stephen (Sarah) Schwarz know how lucky they were to have had the most remarkable man as their dad. And their friends would say, that although he may have been Julie, Stephen, and Carrie’s dad, he was a father to each and every kid who walked through his door. He loved quietly and fiercely. He was a protector and a helper up until his very final moments.

Craig loved his children but he was wildly crazy for his grandchildren. Craig was born for his lifetime achievement role as “Papa”. He made life magical for Serena, Sarah, Andrew, Ben, Delainey, Matthew, Lilian, and Sophia.

Craig’s dearest friend is his brother Robert (Pauline) Schwarz. And he is loved deeply by his extended family of multi-generational nieces, nephews and cousins as well as many friends that he always considered to be family.

Craig never defined himself by his job and he was proud to spend his first career giving AT&T the privilege of his talents for 38 years, retiring in 2008 as a Construction Area Manager. He followed his heart and passion for woodworking into his 2nd career, he was most recently employed at Home Depot in Frankfort.

Craig did define himself by his love for his family, his passion for woodworking, his loyalty to the White Sox and helping anyone and everyone he encountered with anything and everything. Craig was never happier than when he could come by and make life a little better, a little easier, for someone else by fixing something. And if he couldn’t fix it there, chances were he would put it in the back of his Subaru, bring it back to his garage/workshop and fix it there. Wherever Craig traveled, there was a toolbox in the trunk. “Be right back, I’ve got my toolbox in the car”, were words he often spoke.

His happy places included mornings with Jan on their back deck, drinking coffee and doing a crossword puzzle; and tooling in his workshop where he delighted in passion projects ranging from turning pens, building board games, making ornaments and whatever else caught his eye. His legacy includes the many pieces of furniture he carefully and proudly refinished for friends and family. His work can be found scattered in homes throughout Chicagoland and all the way out to California.

Craig was one of the greatest men most of us have ever and will ever know. Please come visit with the family to celebrate his life and his love and to share memories of him. Visitation: Wednesday, November 29 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E Francis Rd, New Lenox, IL. Funeral Services: Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 am at Kurtz Memorial Chapel with a special prayer session at 10:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W Second Ave, New Lenox, IL. Internment Good Shepherd Cemetery, Orland Park, IL.