Dr. Albert J. Schwartz

Dr. Albert J. Schwartz, 99, of Martinsburg, formerly a long-time Leetown resident, passed away Monday, June 13, 2022 at the assisted living facility Harmony at Martinsburg.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 6, 1922 to Andreas “Andrew” Schwartz and Ilona “Helen” (Metschar) Schwartz. After graduating in the Class of 1940 from Steinmetz High School, he served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Subsequently he attended and graduated from the Monroe College of Optometry and moved to WV to work at the Martinsburg Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) where he met the love of his life, Joy R. Hopper, and they got married in 1959. Joy had come from Oklahoma to work at VAMC as a research biochemist. Dr. Schwartz worked as an optometrist, serving countless veterans at the VAMC for over 35 years. During his retirement, he continued to assist veterans that were disabled by volunteering on fishing trips at the Leetown USGS Fisheries Center.

Dr Schwartz was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Herman and Raymond Schwartz, and step sister Clara Moutoux. He is survived by his wife, Joy Schwartz; sons, Edward Kevin Schwartz and wife Lorri, of Shepherdstown, and Andrew Alan Schwartz and wife Kathy of Martinsburg; daughters, Candace A. Sammons and husband Jamie, of Charles Town, and Beverly A. Purnell and husband Jeff, of Freeland, MD; six grandchildren Cecilia Schwartz, Laurel Schwartz, Erin Purnell, Emily Sammons, Nathan Purnell, and Jed Sammons; sister, Dorothy Muellner and husband Dan, of Hillside, IL, brother, Donald Willgale and wife Lucille, of AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

Dr Schwartz was a member of the St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Inwood. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, doing various forms of art (photography, painting, etching), watching golf, listening to music, learning about local history, exploring the surrounding area through “Sunday drives,” working in his yard, and hosting several picnics annually on “the hill” where he and his family and close friends lived. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday. However, God called him home about three weeks prior to that date. His memory will be forever treasured.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2022, with Father Alfred Obiudu and the Rev. Joe Burwell officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant View Memory Gardens, Martinsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson County Community Ministries Food Bank (238 West Washington St., Charles Town, WV 25414) or Birthright of Jefferson County (103 South Mildred St, Ranson, WV 25438).

Please sign the online guestbook at www.mtstrider.com.