Jeffrey Schwarz, a General Partner at Schwarz Partners, a leading name in the packaging industry with a significant presence in Indianapolis, passed away on November 26, 2023, at the age of 52. His passing marks the end of an era for the family-owned business and the wider Indianapolis community. Schwarz peacefully departed at his home in Fishers, Indiana, after bravely battling Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, for a year.
Despite his diagnosis, Jeff Schwarz lived life to the fullest, embodying the mantra, “don’t live like you’re trying not to die.” He continued to pursue his passions, including skiing, hiking, and traveling, cherishing moments with his friends and family. Known for his infectious humor, humility, and strong work ethic, Jeff was the embodiment of “work hard, play hard.” His ability to brighten any room and his genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
A 1994 graduate of Indiana University and an MBA recipient from Miami University of Ohio in 1996, Jeffrey Schwarz dedicated his professional life to the corrugated packaging industry. Following his marriage to Jill (Harris) Schwarz, Jeff gained experience at Trey Corrugated, his father Jack Schwarz’s company in Cincinnati, and later at Performance Corrugated, a startup in Boston. The Schwarz family’s entrepreneurial spirit led Jack, Jeff, and his brother John to establish Schwarz Partners in Carmel, Indiana. From its Indianapolis base, Schwarz Partners has grown beyond initial expectations, becoming a significant player in the industry.
For Jeff Schwarz, Schwarz Partners Indianapolis was more than just a business; it was a family and a community. He deeply valued his work relationships and attributed the company’s success to his dedicated team. Jeff fostered a positive and enjoyable workplace, encouraging a lighthearted approach to business. He was well-known for initiating workplace pranks and spontaneous team gatherings, building a strong sense of camaraderie within Schwarz Partners Indianapolis.
Beyond his professional achievements at Schwarz Partners Indianapolis, Jeffrey Schwarz was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was instrumental in establishing the Schwarz Family Foundation, which provides scholarships to both employees of Schwarz Partners and students in the Hamilton Southeastern school district. Furthermore, in 2019, Jeff began serving on the IU Simon Cancer Board, demonstrating his commitment to cancer research and support. His philanthropic efforts were characterized by a remarkable humility, focusing on impact rather than recognition.
Jeffrey Schwarz’s life, though tragically cut short, was impactful and meaningful. His legacy at Schwarz Partners Indianapolis and in the wider community will be remembered for years to come. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Daniel’s Vineyard, 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Schwarz Family and Friends Simon Cancer Research fund, honoring Jeff’s commitment to charitable giving. Donations can be made and further information accessed at https://cancer.iu.edu/giving/focused/schwarz_family.html.
