Douglas J. Swartz, 86, U.S. Navy Veteran

His pure heart continued to beat strongly until the end. Born in Lorain on November 26, 1934, Doug was a 1952 graduate of Lorain High School and a life-long resident of the city.

Following commencement, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he fulfilled duty assignments as an armament mechanic attached to Air Development Squadron 5 in Asia. Doug was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was a life-member of Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans in Lorain.

A former member of the Lorain Police Department, he had spent the majority of his working life as the President and co-owner of Kohlmyer Sporting Goods. Throughout his career, he was regarded as a generous and fair employer by those who worked for him. In addition, he was a staunch supporter and a generous provider of uniforms and equipment to players participating in Lorain’s municipal sports programs

Doug, himself, was an extremely gifted athlete; while in the Navy he was a standout divisional baseball player. That prowess on the diamond continued upon his return from the military as a pitcher on the National Tube Fast Pitch softball team. To this day, he holds recognition as the only pitcher in the team’s history to pitch a no-hitter. He later filled roster positions as both a pitcher and shortstop on one of the Cleveland Indian’s Class A farm teams.

A man of deep faith, he was a long-time parishioner of the former Holy Trinity Church in Lorain, and was currently attending Nativity BVM Catholic Church. Doug also held recognition as a 3rd Degree Knight with James l. Martin Council # 637 of the Knights of Columbus.

Known as an amazing husband, father, and grandfather, Doug received enjoyment out of the simpler things in his life including Sunday brunches, Hungarian and ethnic food, holiday celebrations, ice cream, polka music, bad jokes, and classic movies. A lover of all things Notre Dame, he also possessed a gift of sarcasm along with a propensity to vocalize his disagreement with sports officials for inaccurate calls they made during both amateur and professional sporting events.

Doug is survived by daughter Laura Anne Swartz of Lorain, son Craig P. Swartz (companion Beverly) of Cape Coral, Florida, and daughter Jennifer Anne Presley of Westlake. He also leaves grandson Jake Presley, granddaughter Leah Presley, sister-in-law Rita Swartz of Lorain, nieces Sharon Wilson (George), and Jill Rutter (Richard), and nephew Eric Swartz (Ginger).

Doug was preceded in death by his wife Anne (nee Pesti), parents Frank and Margaret (nee Slanina) Swartz, grandson Caleb Swartz, and brothers Neil and Donald Swartz.

The Swartz children would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, Hospice, Palliative and ICU caregivers along with a special thank you to the staff on PK2 and everyone who lovingly cared for Doug and his family during this difficult time.

Visitation will be Monday in Nativity BVM Catholic Church (1454 Lexington Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. until the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Robert J. Glepko, pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Doug’s name to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Louis Paul Proy Chapter # 20 of the Disabled American Veterans, Nativity BVM Catholic Church, or any other charity of the donor’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your memories and condolences with the Swartz Family, please visit www.gluvna.net.