Charles Schwartz, Jr., a federal judge, died on November 3, 2012. He was 90 years old. Judge Schwartz was born in New Orleans in 1922, the only child of Sophie Hess Schwartz and Charles Schwartz. He was married to the late Patricia May Schwartz of New York. He is survived by his daughter Priscilla Schwartz Baird and her husband, Claiborne, of Metairie, his son John Schwartz and his wife, Julie, of Boston, and two grandchildren, Charles Schwartz and Leslie Schwartz. In addition, he leaves behind a host of former law clerks who still refer to him as "my Judge." After graduating from Fortier High School, Judge Schwartz received a B.A. from Tulane University in 1943 where he was Phi Beta Kappa. During World War II, he served in the Philippines as a Second Lieutenant and continued his military service in the Army Reserves until 1966 when he retired as a Major. After the war, he attended Tulane Law School, was on its Law Review and in 1947, graduated Order of the Coif. Judge Schwartz was in private practice from 1947 until 1976, first with the Guste, Barnett & Redmand firm. In 1969, he co-founded the firm, Little Schwartz & Dussom. During that time, he represented many individuals and commercial clients and served as district counsel for the Gulf Coast District of U.S. Maritime Administration. In 1976, Charles Schwartz was appointed by President Gerald Ford to the federal bench for the Eastern District of Louisiana where he served as Judge until his retirement in 2001. During his tenure, he presided over many notable cases including those involving conspiracy and racketeering in connection with sewer construction contracts for Jefferson Parish, prosecution of elected officials for voter fraud and corruption, U.S. v. State of Louisiana dealing with disparity in higher education in Louisiana, and Chisom v. Edwards which challenged the method of electing justices of the Louisiana Supreme Court from the New Orleans area. In 1991, Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed Judge Schwartz to the United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court in Washington, D.C. where he oversaw requests for surveillance warrants against suspected foreign intelligence agents inside the United States. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Schwartz was active in the Republican Party. For many years, he served as Chairman of the Orleans Parish Republican Executive Committee and Secretary of the State Central Committee. In 1960, he was a delegate to the Republican Convention, and in 1964 and 1968, he was an alternate delegate. Judge Schwartz was involved with many charitable, civic and educational organizations. He served on the Boards and was President and Treasurer of the Greater New Orleans Area Unit of the American Cancer Society; the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans; and the United Cancer Council of America. For over twenty years, he volunteered at Tulane Law School where he was an Adjunct Professor, a member of the Law School's Review Advisory Board, and a jurist for Inns of Court. He was also on the Boards of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area, Touro Foundation, and Metairie Park Country Day School and was a member of the Louisiana Commandery, the Military Order of Foreign Wars, and several Carnival organizations. For their dedicated care, the family wishes to thank Bernadine Campbell, Harold George, Leo Jackson, Michael Washington, Susan Welsh and the late James Livas. A funeral will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 11 a.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Tulane Law School, 6329 Freret Street, New Orleans, La 70118 or the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10036. Please visit and sign the family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matt Noonan
November 11, 2012
Dear Penny,
You were the world's best and most devoted daughter as Claiborne was a son-in-law. Your Dad was an unforgettable man, who wore his robes with grace, fairness and humor. Forty years of friendship with both him and Pat, continuing now with you and Claiborne. With deepest sympathy and love, Marli
November 11, 2012
Penny and Claiborne,
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can't heal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Greg & Terri
November 8, 2012
Michael, Zach and I are so blessed for the time we had with your father. Thinking of you all as well as the lovely people who cared for your father. He was truly loved.
XO
Susan, Michael, and Zach
Susan Vine
November 8, 2012
With deepest sympathy.
Judge James L. Dennis
November 8, 2012
dear penny, john and claiborne,
bruce and i are thinking of you all at this very hard time. it sounds like the judge had not been well. may he rest in peace. much love and many prayers, xo libby hoefer
November 8, 2012
Penny and Claiborne: Sorry for your loss of a good man. I know Mike will miss him,yall have been a part of his life as yours.
Cindy Elliser
November 7, 2012
Penny,Claiborne and John: Sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to help take care of the Judge. He will always be in my thoughts.
Michael Washington
November 7, 2012
Dear Penny, John, and Claiborne
I know I speak for myself, Cecilia, and Nina expressing our deep sadness at Charles's passing. But we also remember his kindness, warmth, offerer of great Southern hospitality, and coolly understated sense of humor. I know wherever he is no Judge of any kind will overrule him.
Bruce Liebman
November 7, 2012
Penny and Claiborne,
I am so sorry for your loss, but hopeful that your Dad is reunited with your Mom in Heaven.
I am saying prayers for your Dad and your family.
Kelly Ryan
Kelly Ryan
November 7, 2012
One of the finest judges I ever had the honor of meeting.
Sorry for your loss.
Gregory Gambel
November 6, 2012
Penny and Claiborne, So sorry for your loss . What an amazing man he was and a cutie pie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alexa
alexa georges
November 6, 2012
Penny, John and Claiborne, I am very sorry for the loss of your great dad! He was a highly respected and fair jurist held in high esteem by all who knew him. To me, your old and dear friend, he will forever be the great Judge who saved "The Mock Trial of Jean Lafitte" and who donned a wig to prove it! I loved his sense of humor! He is and will always be my favorite judge and my friend. I love you all.
Maria Yiannopoulos
November 6, 2012
Sorry for your great loss! Everybody he got to know was better off for it.
Mimi and SKip Shlenker III send our love.
Simon Shlenker III
November 6, 2012
Penny, I am so sorry for your loss. You are certainly in my thoughts and prayers at this hard time. My best to you and Claiborne. Adair
Adair Brown
November 6, 2012
I am deeply sorry for your loss, Penny, Claiborne and the Schwartz family.
Maggie Sheehan
November 6, 2012
Penny, as you know, your Dad was my mentor and friend since 1974. He will be sorely missed. Charles
Charles Curtis
November 6, 2012
DearPenny & Claiborne,
I am sorry for your loss. Your father was a great man who seved his country, community and family aboveand beyond the call of duty. It was a prvilege to know him.
Sincerely,
Mike Kiernan
Mike Kiernan
November 6, 2012
Penny,
Donna and I are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you guys in our prayers.
Stephen Ehlinger
November 6, 2012
Penny: What a great man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Drew Burnside
November 6, 2012
What a wonderful legacy. With great respect and admiration
for the Judge's service to his country, to his state, and to his fellow man, we wish the Schwartz family all the best in this time of loss. Love, Carol, Paul and Seve
Carol Mustone
November 5, 2012
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