Robert Edward Schwartzman was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather — a.k.a. “Papa”— co-worker and neighbor. For the past two decades, he’d split his time between Queens, N.Y., and Myrtle Beach, S.C..
He grew up in a Bronx apartment, sharing a bedroom with his older brother, Howard. His parents, Jack and Selma — who owned a paint supply and wallpaper store — slept on the living room couch. As a child, he was in constant motion, loving sports like stickball and stoopball. He was also a prankster. He spent many summers at the “country house” in Duchess County, N.Y., that his parents co-owned with family. There, he made lifelong friends, learned to fish and paddle a boat, first drove a car (before he had a license) and came to feel at home surrounded by the sounds of crickets and tree frogs.
He had an active mind but didn’t care much for school. After high school, he worked for a watch manufacturing company and served his country in the U.S. National Guard. Circa 1964 he landed a job at the British Airways New York office. He spent the next 36 years working on ticket reservations, document processing and other roles, becoming a mentor and friend to countless co-workers. He was a fixture on British Airways’ softball and bowling teams and often went on skiing and other trips with co-workers, whom he treated like family.
When he was 18-years-old he met 14-year-old Jane Polatsch, through his cousin Randy, who lived on the first floor of his apartment building. They were married on July 4, 1968, when he was 24 and she was 20. Together they crossed the Long Island Sound and moved to Queens. In the early years of their marriage, they used his British Airways benefits to travel frequently. Among their destinations: Puerto Rico, Spain, Portugal and Israel.
In 1976 they became parents to their only child, Bryan. He instilled in Bryan a love of the New York Yankees and for moviegoing and music. During a showing of “Spaceballs”, Robert laughed so hard he fell out of his seat and hit the floor with a thud, all while cracking up. The propeller plane he built out of wood was the greatest present Bryan received in childhood.
He retired in 2001, shortly after the 9/11 attacks, which devastated him. Several coworkers lost close family and his own nephew, Laurence Polatsch, died in the World Trade Center. Slowly, he picked himself up and found a new life in retirement. Robert and Jane hit the greens in New York and South Carolina and did everything together. While their conversations were often spirited arguments, no one ever doubted their love. In 2018, they celebrated their 50th anniversary by chartering a boat to watch the July 4 fireworks from the East River. They hosted 50 close friends and family members, including their two beloved granddaughters, Maya and Juliana.
He never articulated a life philosophy but set a fine example for others to discern. He rarely waited for others to ask for help but proactively looked for what needed to be done then did it. He was the one who made sure elderly neighbors had their sidewalks shoveled or had enough food to last through a snowstorm. He could fix almost anything. His love of the Yankees extended far past the time he could attend a game in person. He somehow made peace with his daughter-in-law, Amy, and eldest granddaughter, Maya, cheering for the hated Red Sox.
He was loved during his lifetime and is deeply missed in his absence.
5 Notes
After years of getting together for anniversary, birthday, bar mitzvah’s, birth’s, pool fun at their club or our house, kids sports games, visiting at Myrtle Beach house, dinners and more! we miss Robert but we will always have these beautiful memories. 💙
Hi Bryan…wonderful tribute to your Dad. He was loved at BA and helpful to everyone. I always thanked him for asking myself and Robin to share the 4th of July anniversary evening with him. You had a kind, wonderful dad whom I’m sure you are very proud of.
Bob and I joined BOAC on the same January day back in 1964. We become friends that day and even though our paths diverged, we remained friendly. 9/11 affected us all. Think nearly everyone lost someone that day or knew of someone who lost a friend, parent, sibling, child or lover. I’m glad Bob enjoyed his retirement. May he Rest in Peace, always.
Hi Bryan, It’s still surreal that Uncle Bob is t here anymore. He was the best mentor I have ever had. So patient and supportive. I miss his calls and have very fond memories of our Bulova days and he called me every week that I had chemotherapy treatment. One of my best and favorite memories was the 4th of July anniversary celebration of him and your mum. Thank you for this beautiful tribute. Much love to you and your family.
I’m a complete stranger who’s just read this and found it so very moving. What a wonderful man and wonderful rich life. Thank you for sharing his story. Deep condolences to you all, his family and friends.