Louis Joseph Schwartz

In May 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving through May 1946 as an Ordnanceman and Aerial Gunner. Upon returning to civilian life, Joe Schwartz completed his college education at the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from the university in 1949 with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree. After graduating, he applied for and was awarded an officer’s commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve as Ensign. Mr. Schwartz was recalled to active duty in 1951 as the Korean conflict broke out.

In 1952, during this period of service, he met and was married to Rose Lampert. In 1954, he was released by the Navy to inactive status, and was hired by the firm that operated the former Federal Credit Clothiers in Mobile. During his 10 years with the company, he was their Mobile store manager and the district supervisor of a four state area.

In 1964, Joe and Rose Schwartz opened a family clothing store in Prichard and named it “Joro’s.” In spring 1971 they opened a men’s casual apparel store in Chickasaw named “Bottoms Up.” In the space of just a few years, they expanded the operation to units in Springdale Plaza and later Springdale Mall, and to Bel Air Mall in Mobile; to Edgewater Mall in Biloxi, MS; and to Ft. Walton Beach, FL. These were all closed in 1989 when Joe and Rose Schwartz retired.

Over his many years in Mobile, Joe Schwartz was president of the Prichard Merchants Association, and served on the Boards of Directors of both Springdale Mall and Bel Air Mall. He was an active member of Congregation Ahavas Chesed for over 50 years, serving as the congregation’s president four times. He continued with service on the board of directors over the course of time as was named by the board as a member emeritus. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, and a member of Heron Lakes Country Club for 33 years.

Joe Schwartz is survived by Rose Schwartz, his wife of 65 years; by children Suzanne Schwartz (husband: Michael Fresques) of Austin, TX, Phyllis S. Mutchnick (husband: Sheldon Mutchnick) of Richmond, VA; and Karl D. Schwartz of Arlington, VA. He is also survived by grandchildren Saul (Sonya) Mutchnick, Rosa Mutchnick, Hannah Fresques (Alex Bell), and Rachel Fresques; and by his sister, Karla S. Blum, of Beaumont, TX, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Donald Bruce Schwartz, in 1991.

A service will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at Ahavas Chesed Cemetery.

Condolences may be offered online at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.