Death date: Nov 19, 2021
Harold “Hal” Schwartz, 74, of Hilo, HI, passed away on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at the Hilo Medical Center. He was born in Chicago, IL. He was a Prosecutor for Hawaii County, volunteer for Hospice of Hilo, volunteer for FEMA during t Read Obituary
We traveled the World separately, accumulating Life experiences. Our paths finally connected in Hilo and we became brothers of the Soul. Our journeys now continue separately...in the future we will cross paths again. Enjoy your journey my brother.
Hi Ben and Rachel. We were friends/patients of your mom Susan Gilbert. We are sorry to hear about Dad’s passing. Please take care of yourselves. We would love to keep in contact with the both of you.
I knew Harold for a mere half century, hardly a drop in the bucket in Hal’s universalist perspective. We met in grad school at the Univ of Illinois in Chicago. We became friends, then apartment mates where I tasted his fried zucchini and experienced regular thrill rides on lower Wacker Drive on our way to class whenever Hal was behind the wheel. We shared many more unforgettable experiences since then. We shared an extended kibbutz experience in Israel, African safaris in Kenya,Tiger Leaping Gorge in China, and, of course, the many scenic beauties of Hawaii. However, I am most grateful for the opportunities to explore Hal’s mind. I’m grateful that our meaningful talks continue to provide me with guidance during my minutely finite existence.
I am Mira, his granddaughter, I am 15 years old and now learning how to drive. The last time I was in Hawaii both of my grandparents took me out for some driving practice, but something he said during that time is now always in the back of my mind whenever I drive. He told me that in driving you're constantly making small adjustments with your hands even if you're going straight. This might not seem special to you, but it is to me because now every time I can hear him telling me to be constantly making small adjustments and every time I do, he's right there with me.
I am Caliya, his granddaughter. I am not a grown up so I have nothing big to say I just want to share a memory. My family was at their house, and I was in their backyard, grandpapa was with me, and he was teaching me how to know if a Lilikoi was ripe so grandmama could make lilikoi juice in the kitchen. He and I were by the bush and the lilikoi tree. I remember his sweet, kind voice talking to me and saying: " It is easy, once you learn you'll know". I never thought too much about those words, but now that he is gone those words mean a lot to me. He was really nice and never really raised his voice.
I hope he rests good and great, for all, he was my grandfather.
Hal was a dutiful husband, loving companion and, the great love of my mom's life. When Hal entered my mother's life I had never seen her happier.
Hal was fiercely passionate about his beliefs and we would have email debates in his last years on worldly topics. I always appreciated his passion and I will miss our conversations and emails together. He is loved. This quote by Aurelius sums up the way I knew him: "If anyone can refute me-show me I am making a mistake or looking at things from the wrong perspective-I'll gladly change. It's the truth I am after, and the truth never harmed anyone."
Hal’s caring spirit will live on forever in all of us.
