Peter Allan Swartz, 79, of Palm Beach Gardens and Coral Gables, FL passed away the morning of July 2, 2018 after a short battle with cancer. He faced this diagnosis of esophageal cancer in March, like everything else in his life, with the strength and attitude that he was going to fight it every step of the way and win the battle.
Peter was in total remission from cancer but passed due to complications of pneumonia. Peter fought it to the end with strength, dignity and the resolve to survive. He was surrounded by his wife, Rebecca, and step son Jeffrey by his side.
Peter was the son of the late Max Swartz and Esther Rosengarten Swartz, and was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Swartz; and his daughter, Debra Lynn Swartz Greenberg. Peter was the last survivor of the Swartz historic East Coast Fisheries and restaurant dynasty in Miami, FL.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Rebecca M. Swartz of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; children, Gayle Dubin (Richard) of Miami, Jill Garcia (Ernesto) of Miami, Louis Swartz (Anne) of Thailand; step sons, Jeffrey H. Mller (Catherine) of Jupiter, Matthew L. Miller (Rachel) of Oyster Bay, NY, his son in law, Peter Greenberg; grandchildren, Max Dubin of NY, Jacob Dubin of CA, Samantha Dubin , Danielle Rappaport, and Mark Rappaport, all of Miami, Amanda Greenberg Epstein and Brandon Greenberg of CA; Jordan Reese Miller of Jupiter, FL and Helena Ashley and Brandon Evan Miller of Oyster Bay, NY.
As a native Floridian, Peter’s father, Max Swartz, immigrated from Russia to Peabody, MA then to Miami to build his new life in sunny Florida. Max met his wife, Esther Rosengarten and was the founder of East Coast Fisheries in Miami. Peter and his brother grew up in the business. Peter adored his father and wanted to be with him all the time. While needing a place to eat lunch, the idea of the future East Coast Restaurant was created. It evolved into a much sought after seafood restaurant and market place on the Miami Riverfront. David ran the restaurant until his death. Later, Peter re-opened the restaurant. Peter was an accomplished entrepreneur, attorney and real estate developer, later specializing in real estate and insurance law.
Peter’s business savvy was extensive with business endeavors including East Coast Fisheries, businesses in the Caribbean, and East Coast Restaurant on the Miami River. He designed and built Central Cold Storage Plant and had 800+ employees for many years. Later in life, he was CEO and partner with his wife, Rebecca, in Cenco Partners, specializing as policy holders advocates in the insurance industry.
Peter graduated from Coral Gables High School. In 1956, Peter was the co-captain of their football team 1956 State champs, all city, all county and all State. Peter also played center ( #50) for the University of Miami, and they retired his #50 jersey. Peter was an athlete all of his life and stressed the discipline of exercise and living life to the fullest.
Peter was a one in a million man with a huge heart and was “all in” when he did anything, but especially with the love of his family and his wife, Rebecca.
Services were held Monday, July 9th at Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center in Jupiter, from 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Susan B. Koman Cancer Center.
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