Robert Schwartz

Robert Schwartz was born on March 24, 1939 to Gerald and Grace Schwartz in Lake City, Minnesota. He was one of two siblings.  He attended Lincoln High School and McAllister College. Later he attended Meadville Theological School in Chicago. Then he worked as a social worker and probation officer for Cook County until his retirement in 2000.
He was joined in civil union with Cary Jones in 1985 until Cary’s death in 1991. Later he married Ruffin Robinson in 2005 until Ruffin’s death in 2019. Bob is survived by a brother Don (Alice) Schwartz and many friends.
Bob spent most if not all of his long life as an activist. He was a devoted Socialist who believed in the need for working people to chart their own destiny. He played a lead role in forming a union in his own workplace for Juvenile Court workers. He was also active in Gay Liberation Network. One of Bob’s proudest moments was helping to lead the successful campaign for equal marriage rights for gay people.
Bob loved Baroque music, trains, architecture, travel, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and he would frequently attend events with friends or schedule trips on Amtrak or abroad.
Bob died peacefully in his sleep after several months of illness on September, 20, 2025. There was a celebration of Bob’s life in Chicago on September 22, 2025.