Raymond "Sparky" Peter Schwartz, 76, Experimetnal Lab Technician

He was born August 12, 1924 in Lakewood and was a lifelong resident in Avon.

He graduated from Avon High School in 1942.

Mr. Schwartz worked for 39 years as an experimental lab technician at BF Goodrich in Avon Lake.

Raymond was descended from one of the founders of Avon. He was a third Schwartz generation to live and farm on Schwartz Road. The Schwartz Road Park was named after his father.

He was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Avon. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, BF Goodrich bowling league and one of the originators of the Avon Sportsman Club. He enjoyed hunting, playing cards, gardening, and was an avid sportsman. In his younger days, he was an all-star pitcher. He was a die-hard Cleveland Indians Fan.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Rae (nee Fayer); son John Schwartz and daughters, Dianne Cogar and Sharon Strebig, all of Avon; and 4 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Mikulin and his parents Peter and Mary (nee Fischer) Schwartz.

Friends may call at the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 32000 Detroit Road, Avon from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2001. Prayer Services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, April 19, 2001 at 9:15 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Road, Avon at 10:00 a.m. Fr. John Misenko, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Avon.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 12200 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, OH 44120.