LAKE CARMEL – In March 2023, Robert Schwartz, affectionately known as the ‘unofficial Mayor of Lake Carmel’ died and on Sunday 75 residents of Lake Carmel gathered along Lakeshore Drive to dedicate the Bob Schwartz Memorial Bench.
Schwartz was described as a “friend to many” by Walter Recher, chairman of the Lake Carmel Park District. “Bob always had a smile and a handshake. He was everywhere. We all should be like Bob—a man who brought out the best in people.”
Schwartz, who was 75, was also remembered by Rabbi Avi Korer of Putnam Chabad as an active member of his community.
“Bob never came empty handed, either with flowers for our congregation or prizes for our children. He was loved by everyone.”
The rabbi told those in attendance, “Bob was full of mitzvahs—always giving to others. Let us give a mitzvah everyday by being kind to others while thinking of Bob.”
Schwartz’s home along Lakeshore Drive in Lake Carmel was the centerpiece of the lake during the holidays with colorful holiday displays.
He was often observed with camera in hand taking scores of photographs of people, places and nature.
He was also passionate about fishing.
Long-time friend Beth Makaj remembered Schwartz as a “man with a heart of gold who was always available to assist friends and neighbors in need.”
Makaj met Schwartz 20 years ago when she relocated to Lake Carmel. “Each time I drove past his house, Bob was outside either tending to his house or fishing in the lake. When he observed a passerby, a big smile crossed his face as he waved, brightening the day of many.”
Bob’s son Andrew recalled how his father found his “little slice of paradise in Lake Carmel in 1992 and absolutely loved his house on the lake. The community quickly became like family. My dad was one of a kind. His mischievous sense of humor, kindness, and generosity was unmatched. Anyone Bob met instantly became his friend. He never went anywhere empty handed, and he got so much joy from giving gifts and being of service to his community. He loved fishing, playing pranks and jokes, and decorating his house and yard for all the holidays, especially Halloween. He was easily recognized around town using one of his many hand-carved walking sticks which he was so proud of. He was an avid collector of stuff – tchotchkes, keychains, Disney characters, and above all, flashlights. He could never buy just one of anything.”
Now, residents of Lake Carmel and visitors alike will always remember Bob Schwartz when taking a seat on the memorial bench inscribed: “In Memory of Bob Schwartz who Loved Family, Friends and Fishing. He Lit Up Our Lives and the Lake Carmel Community.”
