Allan Jack Schwartz

Allan Jack Schwartz of Santa Ana, California, passed away at home on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the age of 96, from ongoing complications following a stroke. Allan is survived by his sister, Elaine, and four children—Cindy, Rosemary, Joseph, and David. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Memorial services are scheduled on January 19, 2023, at Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana, California.

Allan, the third of four siblings and only boy, grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where, as a teenager, he worked at the family diner serving up “soupy-pie-coffee” for 25 cents to local patrons. As a young man, he moved out west to California and quickly became smitten with MaryAnn (Nina) Bellomo. The two were married in 1954 and settled down in Lincoln Heights first then eventually West Covina, California, where they raised their four children. He was married to Nina for nearly 50 years before she passed in 2003.

Allan, always the hardest working and most committed person in the room, found work as a home delivery milkman for Carnation Company. Each day Allan started his morning route by shlepping heavy sacks of “snow” into an unrefrigerated truck and driving his route—while standing—around Los Angeles, California. Allan’s talents and intellect were quickly recognized at Carnation and he worked his way up to eventually become the Director of Human Resources, a position he held until he retired in 1990. Retirement never slowed Allan down. He was always busy, but he always had time for his family. Whether it was traveling to Italy to visit Nina’s family, lending a caring ear and offering sage advice, or helping one of his grandchildren with their homework (especially math), he loved being around his family.

His dedication to learning was evident in his everyday life. In his 40’s, Allan went to UCLA taking many business management classes and he also attended adult education classes with Nina to become fluent in Italian. He also spoke Russian and Hebrew languages. Several years later, Allan and Nina decided to relocate to Santa Ana, California, in 1997. As they settled in, Allan became interested in serving his new community. He eventually became a court mediation specialist for the Orange County Superior and Harbor Court System assisting parties in settling disputes prior to going to court. Allan’s wit, charm, and pithy approach was a roaring success and he continued to serve as a mediator until he was 90. Allan was selfless, caring, and devoted. He will be missed by so many who loved him dearly.