Mitchel Schwartz

Mitchel Jay Schwartz was born August 21, 1970 in Philadelphia, PA. to Linda and Calvin Schwartz. Mitch was Autistic and non-verbal. However, he did make sounds and was able to thoroughly convey his wishes to his family very easily. He wasn’t born this way. It came upon him at age 3. Mitch was able to learn ways to cope with this by asking for food, drink etc. He would use signs and we would all understand him.

   With his mother’s help, he was able to attend school and was the first graduate of the Council Rock Autistic Program that began in 1991. 

   Later, he was able to work for BARC Production Services as a worker who completed contracts from businesses around the area. Every year, his paychecks increased and they showed his ability to work longer even with his disability. He worked there for 25 + years.. He was “Worker of the Month” many times in his career there.

   But more than all this, Mitch was happy. He had help from many people over the years and he responded well to them all. He learned to help himself and become better than he was before. He was a part of this community and many people knew him by name. Everywhere he went, people greeted him!

   Mitch required patience when working with him. He had to be very structured and mistakes in his routine were not tolerated well by him. But what he did do, because of his disabilities, was to teach others about patience and tolerance and seeing the simple joys that were in life. We tend to go through life and ignore people that need our help. We rush through things and want things done immediately. Mitch showed that life is about tolerance and charity and helping each other. And seeing improvements in our lives one small step at a time. 

   Mitch had his moments of pain and irritability. However, when he smiled, everyone around him felt his joy. It was unexplainable. You just had to be there with him. 

   Because of Mitch, many people in our family became teachers in the Special Education realm. His mother taught Special Education for 31 years. His brother, Stewart, is currently in his 29th year of teaching.  Mitchel’s nephew, Jacob, is also in this field. Being around him made you want to learn how to help others.

   His home, his place of employment, places in the community, special programs for Autism; Mitch’s presence will be felt everyday, all around us, for a long long time.

   Mitch is survived by his mother, Linda. His brothers, Eric (Candi) and Stewart (Ilene). His nieces and nephews, Jacob, Jonathan, Noah, Amanda, and Emma. He is preceded in death by his father, Calvin and his grandmother, Ruth. 

   In lieu of flowers, contributions to BARC Production Center, Warminster in memory of Mitchel Schwartz would be greatly appreciated.

   The Graveside service is Thursday, October 6 at 11AM at Montefiore Cemetery. Shiva will follow at his late residence.  

                 “It is amazing that one person can say so much without uttering a single word.”