Arthur Bernard Schwartz was born on November 17, 1931 in Bronx, New York. He was the son of Irving and Dorothy Schwartz. At the age of five, his mother contracted tuberculosis, which forced him and his sister, Rohain, to be raised in the National Home for Jewish Children in Denver, Colorado, until he became of age. In February of 1950, Art enlisted in the United State Marine Corps. Following his completion of boot camp at MCRD San Diego and advanced training at Camp Pendleton, California, the Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950. Art was amongst the very first to be shipped to Korea in the “1st Provisional Marine Brigade.” Subsequently, the other Marines came and joined them as the “1st Marine Division.” When he was deployed from Camp Pendleton to Korea, he first docked in Pusan. He fought through Korea up to the Manchurian border. Like many other soldiers and Marines, Art suffered dysentery (twice actually). He made three amphibious landings -- in Inchon, Wonson, and at the Han River. He fought at the Chosin Reservoir in the Winter of 1950, spending his 19th birthday there. Chosin was the toughest, including having to survive in the freezing cold. Art even had to sleep on the frozen ground, hence being dubbed one of “the Chosin Frozen.” Art fought his way back and was then evacuated by ship to Japan where he was hospitalized for frostbite. He remained stationed in Japan for a year and was then stationed in San Francisco. He was honorably discharged in San Francisco in 1954 as a Corporal.
After being discharged from the Marine Corps, Art remained in San Francisco for several years, marrying Frances Woods in November of 1952, and having his first two sons. He subsequently moved to Southern California, where he married Virginia McElhiney in November of 1964, and had one more son and three daughters. Art also became a barber and spent decades cutting hair at “Art’s Barber Shop” in Westchester (Los Angeles). He resided in Carson, California for about 40 years prior to retiring and moving into Leisure World in Seal Beach.
Art had six children – Arthur Schwartz, Jr., Stephen Schwartz (deceased), Michael Schwartz (deceased), Kara Campbell, Katherine Ycoy, and Joanna Schwartz. He had 13 grandchildren – Stephen Schwartz, Peter Schwartz, Theresa Schwartz, Lauren Montagne (deceased), Amanda Voltmer, Daniel Voltmer, Timothy Schwartz, Rebekah Schwartz, Averie Montagne, Joshua Voltmer, Thomas Schwartz, Joslyn Ycoy, and Garrett Montagne. Art also had four great-grandchildren – Olivia Schwartz, Dakota Motley, Margaret Schwartz, and Brooklan Motley.
Family and friends brought incredible joy to Art. Nothing made him happier than being with the people he loved and, of course, eating. Art was a loving father, grandfather, and friend who always, always wanted everyone to be happy. He was a man who had so much love in his eyes. If he loved you, you knew it. Art will be greatly missed.
Visitation Monday, June 17, 2019 - 11:30 to 2:00 pm ~ Heritage Memorial Chapel, 17712 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Graveside Tuesday, June 18, 2019 ~ 12:45 pm ~ Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518
Please check at the Cemetery Booth to verify Staging Area #4
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