Longtime resident of South Pasadena, Nelson Jacob Schwarz, 93, passed away on March 20, 2024. He was intelligent, unassuming, funny and kind. He died peacefully at home, in a sunny room among people he loved, and who loved him.
Nelson was born September 16, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, to Orville and Elsie Schwarz, as the youngest of three. His family moved to California while he was still an infant. Nelson was a 1949 graduate of South Pasadena High School. Later in life, he was happy to say all four of his daughters and one grandchild also graduated from the same high school.
Nelson enrolled in UCLA, then joined the Navy. During the Korean War he served on a Command Ship — the USS Mt. McKinley. Upon returning, Nelson met his future wife, Cecilia Bohorquez, in Pasadena. They married in 1956 and moved to Mexico City, where he completed his education, became fluent in Spanish, and enjoyed sparring with Ceci in the sport of fencing.
Back in Pasadena, they started their family. Nelson and Cecilia had four daughters: Cynthia Scott, Judy Gripp (Doug), Nancy Bragado (Alex) and Francie Schwarz (Mike Biel). In addition, they had six grandchildren and enjoyed an active family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Nelson and Cecilia bought their house in South Pasadena in 1973. Nelson loved the outdoors and supported environmental causes. He was a lifelong member of the Sierra Club and shared his values and enthusiasm with his family, which included going on many memorable camping trips.
Nelson always said that marrying Cecilia was the best thing he ever did. They were partners in life, business and on the dance floor for nearly 68 years. He was an elegant ballroom dancer and they were the couple people would stop to watch.
Nelson is survived by his wife Cecilia, his children Cynthia, Judy, Nancy and Francie, his sons-in-law Mike Biel and Alex Bragado, and all of his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Orville Elman Schwarz Jr., his sister Marvan Schwarz Glozack, and son-in-law Douglas Gripp.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Sierra Club Foundation (sierraclubfoundation.org/), a nonprofit that supports environmental causes.
