Nathan (Nat) Schwartz

Nathan (Nat) Schwartz, aged 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Nat was born in Amarillo, TX, to Jack and Sheila Schwartz and spent his early childhood in Louisiana. His family then moved to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan before settling in the Lansing, MI, area, where Nat completed junior and senior high school.

He completed his BA at New College (Sarasota, FL). While an undergraduate, Nat completed internships in Washington, D.C. and Hoboken, NJ. Nat continued his education at Cornell University, where he completed an MA and PhD in government, spending a year in London to conduct dissertation research on British housing policy.

Nat taught at Oakland University (Oakland, MI), the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY), and last, at the University of Louisville (KY), where he was recognized for his outstanding teaching and for his commitment to student success.

One highlight of Nat’s career was receiving an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, which allowed him to live for 18 months in Erlangen, Germany, and pursue research on German housing policy. Nat left academe for full-time research and consulting in 2002.

Nat and his wife Wendy moved to Philadelphia in 2018. He enjoyed long walks in the city and the cultural activities Philadelphia is famous for. The city’s restaurants, both upscale and down-to-earth, were among his many pleasures. His hobbies included Jewish education, reading groups, listening to music, and continuing to travel.

Nat is remembered for his great intellectual curiosity, his passion for dialogue and debate, his openness, his attentiveness, and his fervor for social justice.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Pfeffer, their daughter Dena Schwartz, his sister Claire Schwartz, a loving extended family, and a community of dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to graveside services on Tuesday, October 6, at 2 p.m. at The Woodlands, 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. A shiva open house will take place on Tuesday, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at his late residence. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, 100 S. Independence Mall W, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19106, www.lenfestinstitute.org, or to a charity of the donor's choice.