Obituary for Dennis (Denny) Schwartz

Dennis (Denny) Schwartz, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and
community leader, passed away peacefully on August 20th at the age of 84. Born on
October 5, 1940, in Gary, Indiana, Denny lived a vibrant life defined by leadership,
loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to family, friends, and community.
Growing up in Gary, Denny attended Gary Lew Wallace High School, where he excelled
academically and built lifelong friendships. He pursued higher education at both Notre
Dame and Purdue University, earning an engineering degree from Purdue. At Purdue,
he became a proud member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity’s Indiana Delta chapter, a
commitment that became a cornerstone of his life. Denny’s dedication to the fraternity
led him to build the current Phi Psi house at Purdue’s Indiana Delta chapter and serve
on the national endowment board for many years, leaving a lasting legacy for future
generations.
Denny served honorably in the U.S. Army in Europe as a First Lieutenant,
demonstrating his commitment to service. After his military service and many
adventures in Europe, he and his wife, Mary Lou, returned to Indiana, where he
embarked on a distinguished 30-year career as President of Valley American Bank. His
leadership, integrity, and warmth fostered deep bonds with colleagues, many of whom
became lifelong friends that remained close even after his retirement. After retiring from
banking, Denny remained actively involved in the family business alongside his son Jim
and later his grandson JT, offering his sharp business acumen and invaluable advice.
A devoted family man, Denny was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lou,
who passed away in 2002 at the age of 61. The family he built with Mary Lou, his son
and his son’s family, is the hallmark of Denny’s legacy. He found love and
companionship with his longtime girlfriend, Ginette Poirier. Their years together were
filled with fun travel, joy-filled experiences, and spending time with friends.
Denny’s love for socializing was legendary, and he was known for his quick wit and
countless jokes that brought laughter to every gathering. A passionate traveler, he
explored the world throughout his life, creating precious memories. As a proud Gary
native, Denny remained a devoted fan of Chicago sports, especially baseball and his
beloved Chicago Cubs, watching their games faithfully until his final days.
Giving back to the community was a core value for Denny. He sought opportunities to
support and uplift the community, including participating in the establishment of his
family’s foundation. Both personally and through the foundation, Denny was able to
focus his philanthropy on funding initiatives that strengthened healthcare, education,
supported local organizations, and improved the lives of those in need.

Denny’s commitment to his community also extended to his active involvement with the
First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, where his generosity and leadership left a
lasting impact.
He is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Ginette; son, James (Julie) Schwartz;
grandchildren, Jennifer Schwartz and JT (Jenna) Schwartz; great-grandchildren, Jaime
and Amelia; half-brothers, Dan Schwartz, Rick Schwartz, and Rudy (Gina) Schwartz;
nephew Garret Schwartz. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, parents
Rudolph Schwartz and Kathleen Ross, and nephew Ryan Schwartz.
A viewing will be held at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8 th street, Mishawaka, IN 46544
from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday August 25. The funeral service will be held at
Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 South Frances St, South Bend, IN 46617 at 10:30
AM on Tuesday August 26. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka. In lieu
of flowers, the family requests donations to the Schwartz Wiekamp Foundation, c/o
Foundation Source, 55 Walls Drive, Suite 302, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Denny Schwartz will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his infectious humor,
unwavering loyalty, and enduring legacy of love, leadership, and community service. His
values of loyalty, humor, and generosity inspired all who knew him.