Andrew Ian Schwartz

Andrew Ian Schwartz (Andy/Ange), age 66, passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Born in Canarsie and a life-long resident of Brooklyn, he considered it to be the greatest borough. Andy was a graduate of New York City public schools, the University of the State of New York and Brooklyn Law School, where, in 1981, he met Kathleen A. Gallagher, his wife of 37 years, in their first year class.

Andy’s legal career was entirely devoted to public service. He served six NYC mayors during his long and distinguished career in City government. Among other roles, he served as legal counsel for the City's Law Department and the Campaign Finance Board, where he eventually held the role of Chief Litigation Counsel. Most of Andy’s tenure in City government was with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), where he led in various capacities, including First Deputy Commissioner and Acting Commissioner through several leadership changes. Before and during law school, he worked as a Ranger in the National Park Service at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Saratoga Battlefield.

Andy excelled in all of his professional roles, deftly tapping into his innate wisdom and intelligence, his broad knowledge of all things New York, and a vast trove of amazing people skills. He deeply cared for his colleagues and acted on it, always extending a helping hand and freely dispensing advice and mentorship to all who sought his counsel. His colleagues appreciated his warmth, honesty, compassion and wit. Andy was beloved at the office, a remarkable achievement that meant so much to him.

Even more than public service, Andy cherished his family and friends. As Kathleen’s soulmate, champion and constant companion, he will be forever missed. His daughter, Caitlin A. Schwartz, and son, Gregory M. Schwartz, were blessed to have a father who would do anything to care for, support and protect them; they never wanted for his time or attention. Andy was a proud homebody, and happiest when simply spending time with his family, human and feline. In 2022, Andy delighted in welcoming son-in-law, Charles A. Carota, to the family, and was overjoyed at the birth of precious grandbaby, Siobhan Lydia Carota, in September 2023. For Andy, there was nothing sweeter than being Siobhan’s “Pops,” and the 11.5 months they shared on earth were some of his best.

Andy had an incredible bond with his brother, Robert B. Schwartz, and sister-in-law, Karen E. Gellen, He was adored by many cousins, nieces and nephews of the Schwartz and Gallagher clans. His circle of friends was enormous, including, to name a few, former roommates and law school friends of his and Kathleen’s, Park Slope and Windsor Terrace neighbors, his faith community, and, most especially, the life-long friends he grew up with in Canarsie. He was an avid fan of the Yankees, Jets, Brooklyn Nets, Arsenal FC, and his SBS softball team, the Giants. He was known for his obsessive love of his cats and the Grateful Dead, as well as his unique collection of graphic t-shirts.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 225 Sixth Avenue, in Brooklyn. Friends and colleagues are also invited to visit with the family at their home, 4 Fuller Place, Brooklyn, on Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, 2024, from 1 PM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Andy’s memory and honor to Sean Casey Animal Rescue, the Joseph Ahmed Foundation, or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in peace.