It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jeffrey Schwarz, a General Partner at Schwarz Partners, who peacefully passed away at his home in Fishers, Indiana, on November 26, 2023. His passing follows a courageous year-long battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Despite this challenge, Jeff’s spirit remained undimmed, and he continued to embrace life with remarkable positivity.
Jeff Schwarz will be fondly remembered not just for his professional achievements within Schwarz Partners, but for his vibrant personality and zest for life. Even in the face of adversity, Jeff lived by the inspiring mantra, “don’t live like you’re trying not to die.” He packed an extraordinary amount of living into his 52 years, creating lasting memories with family and friends while pursuing his passions for skiing, hiking, and travel.
Those who knew Jeff understood his unique ability to brighten any room he entered. His exceptional sense of humor, genuine care for others, and incredible work ethic were hallmarks of his character. He truly embodied the “work hard, play hard” ethos, making time for both professional excellence and personal enjoyment. A 1994 graduate of Indiana University and a 1996 MBA recipient from Miami of Ohio, Jeff’s commitment to growth and learning was evident throughout his life.
His career path saw him working alongside his father, Jack Schwarz, at Trey Corrugated in Cincinnati, and later at Performance Corrugated in Boston. These experiences paved the way for the establishment of Schwarz Partners in Carmel, Indiana, a venture he co-founded with his father and brother, John. What began as a family business grew into a significant enterprise, exceeding their initial expectations.
Jeffrey Schwarz, General Partner at Schwarz Partners, pictured at a company event, reflecting his leadership and dedication to the family business.
Despite the growth of Schwarz Partners, Jeff always maintained a strong sense of family within the workplace. He deeply valued his colleagues, considering them his work family, and consistently credited the company’s success to their collective efforts. Jeff was known for fostering a fun and lighthearted atmosphere, believing in the importance of not taking everything too seriously. He was often the instigator of workplace pranks and spontaneous social gatherings, creating a positive and engaging environment for everyone at Schwarz Partners.
Beyond his dedication to Schwarz Partners, Jeff was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He was instrumental in establishing the Schwarz Family Foundation, which provides scholarships to both employees of Schwarz Partners and students within the Hamilton Southeastern school district. Furthering his philanthropic endeavors, Jeff joined the IU Simon Cancer Board in 2019, contributing to a cause that became personally significant. His charitable giving was characterized by humility and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Jeffrey Schwarz leaves behind a profound legacy, having touched countless lives with his generosity, humor, and leadership within Schwarz Partners and the wider community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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, located at 9061 N 700 W, McCordsville, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Jeff’s commitment to philanthropy, his family requests that donations be made to the Schwarz Family and Friends Simon Cancer Research fund. Those wishing to contribute can find more information and make a donation at https://cancer.iu.edu/giving/focused/schwarz_family.html.