Dennis James 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 Schwartz, and his wife, Julie; grandchildren, Jennifer Schwartz and JT Schwartz, with his wife, Jenna; great-grandchildren, Jaime and Amelia; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou, and his parents, Rudolph Schwartz and Kathleen Ross.

     A viewing will be held at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 West 8th 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.

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