Schwartz, Jerome Joseph

Jerome Joseph Schwartz

Jerome “Jerry” Joseph Schwartz, born January 12, 1951, passed away Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.

Jerry is survived and missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Coleta (Quain), and his daughters Melissa (Evan Sonderegger), Kate (P.J. Brennan), and Megan (Erik Johnson). Forever cherished and remembered by his six grandchildren, Nora Sonderegger, Jude Brennan, and Lorelai, Isabella, Gabriel and Michael Johnson. His memory lives on with his surviving family, including his brothers Ron (Tony), Don (Rose), Leo (Kathy), sister-in-law Connie Schwartz, and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Leo G. Schwartz, mother Matilda L. Heimos Schwartz, and twin brother, Ken.

Jerry was born and raised in St. Louis the third of five boys and the oldest in the second set of twins born to Leo and Matilda. Growing up on Christopher Drive in Oakville Jerry enjoyed being outdoors and spent many hours causing trouble with his brothers. Jerry met the love of his life, Coleta, in 1970, and they were married on June 30, 1973, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in St. Louis.

A master hospital mechanic at Lutheran Hospital (later known as St. Alexius) for over 40 years, Jerry was a mainstay who knew every inch of the complex and could fix anything from the heating and cooling to a simple light switch. Jerry built many friendships at the hospital and remained there until his retirement in March 2020.

Jerry was a skilled craftsman and avid gardner who prided himself on being detail oriented and organized. He never missed an opportunity to teach others and loved to consult on home projects. From teaching proper painting techniques, to hanging dry wall, to electrical work, he guided all his daughters and sons-in-law on their home repairs. And when he could not be there in person, Jerry was always up to give his advice over a video call. Jerry would never make you feel bad if you needed help – he would gently tell you the “right” way to do it, and provide notes so you do it correctly…or he would offer you a beer and just fix it himself when you weren’t looking.

Jerry believed in treating others with kindness and respect. A core tenet of his life was to use his talents to help others. And he did just that, whether as a volunteer with Rebuilding Together or helping his friends (and friends of friends), he was always willing to use his expertise to improve the lives of others.

Jerry was a dedicated father teaching his daughters how to change a tire and their attitudes when those needed adjusting as well. He was always there for you with an ear and equal doses of wit and wisdom.

A doting Grandpa, he delighted in spending time with his six grandchildren, building forts, castles, crafts and always lots of laughs. The job of Grandpa was Jerry’s favorite, and most important.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be conducted Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 p.m., concluding with a short service at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation or the American Cancer Society.