Obituary of Joseph C Schwarz

Joseph C. Schwarz passed away on July 9, 2023, at the age of 84. Joseph was born on March 10, 1939, in River Edge, NJ to Florence and Arthur Schwarz. Joe’s mother passed away when he was 9 years old. He moved to Hillsdale and was raised by his grandmother Katherine Schwarz Randall.  He was predeceased by a sister and brother, both in infancy.

Joe graduated from Bergen Technical and Vocational school in the field of horticulture. Joe was a member of the FFA, Director of the Fair Lawn Jaycees, President of the Bergen County Landscape Contractors Association (presently known as New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association). He promoted his profession by teaching and counseling others in the horticulture field.

Joseph enlisted in the US Army Signal Corp in 1959 and served with distinction including a 6-month deployment to Vietnam. He was very proud to serve and share his experiences with others who served in the military.          .

Upon returning to the USA, Joseph was employed by Lauer’s Garden Center in Westwood for 10 years before starting his own Landscape business.  He operated his own business throughout Bergen County and Passaic County for over 58 years, not retiring until he was 80.

Joseph married his long-time girlfriend Janice Clark of Hillsdale in 1980 shortly before relocating to Ringwood NJ. Joseph and his wife had no children but provided loving homes to their many Labrador Retriever rescues as well as orphaned cats at their home in Ringwood, NJ.   Their 2-acre property surrounded by forest, provided plenty of space for their Labs to play.

He enjoyed a good party and there were many neighborhood parties throughout the years. Joe was usually the life of the party and the last one to leave it. Joseph was well liked and respected by all who knew him, customers, neighbors, suppliers, friends, and family.

In 2006 Joseph was critically injured while riding in a bucket lift that made contact with high voltage wires. He was electrocuted by 7100 volts 3 times.  He was air lifted to St Barnabas Hospital Burn Center.  Joe received 3^rd degree burns to his face, hands, and chest.  He spent 23 days on life support and had several skin grafts surgeries.

Joseph and wife, Janice travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and the USA. His favorite locations being LBI in New Jersey, Key West Florida and the islands of Aruba and Hawaii which were all visited many times.

Joseph is survived by his wife and many friends and cousins.

Donations to your local pet rescue would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Visitation will be held at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ  07436 on Sunday, July 16 from 1 pm to 5 pm. There will be a service at the funeral home on Monday, July 17 at 9 am followed by a graveside military service and internment at Westwood Cemetery, Westwood NJ

A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held at a later date for friends and family.