I first met Harry about 48 years ago when he was the manager of the Riverside AMC auto body shop. I was fresh out of high school and just starting my “working-life”. I had taken auto body and paint classes in high-school, and Harry took me on as a trainee body man and painter’s helper.

Back then I was also interested in airbrush art and custom painting which I had explored in high-school, and I remember Harry encouraging me in the custom painting and he let me custom paint a friend’s motorcycle at the AMC shop. This was my first custom paint job, of which there would be many, and is something I still do.  A short time later Harry decided to go on his own and open his own body shop. He rented a small shop in Norco on Industrial Ave. and I went along with him, learning all the while and helping out where I could.

There I saw Harry hustle for work and the shop stayed busy, and soon Harry acquired some land off Hamner Blvd. (the main street through Norco at the time) and built up the larger Federal Auto Body shop.

For a while I was in and out of Harry’s life, working for a time in Orange County for a custom paint shop and later I returned and again did some work for Harry, who still was encouraging my custom painting artistry and always let me use his shop when I found custom paint work to do.

At the Federal Auto Body shop I met Tina, Harry’s wife, and their two (then) young children, Michael and Michell, and Harry’s nephew Rob who was closer to my age and we ended up becoming good friends over the years.

Through those earlier years, Harry became a bit of a father-figure to me, always encouraging my artistic endeavors and letting me use his shop to further those undertakings. That early creativity was nurtured and has been something that has grown throughout my life, and something I highly value and pursue to this day; And looking back I can see how Harry played a big part in that.

After I moved to Orange County, and later to Los Angeles, Harry stayed in touch with friendly phone calls or on occasion would drop by for a "dinner on him" to catch up.

In a recent conversation, Harry expressed to me how proud he was of his children Michael and Michell, I know you two are the shining stars of his life.

In my last conversation with Harry, he talked about getting older and how he thought that it was tough; but he didn’t linger on that, and knowing I’m a cat lover myself, he went on to talk a lot about his cats. He expressed how his cats, like my own kitty who was born a feral, still have a bit of the feral in them, and how he would just love it when they abandoned their instinctive distance and would cozy up to him. He had a true affection for their cautious acceptance of him that finally gave way to warm and loving contact.

It’s written: Harry was “Tough as nails, incredibly kindhearted and one-of-a-kind”. This is a perfect description for Harry who forged his way in a life that was full and well lived. He leaves a legacy of his children, grand-children, larger family relations, and friends.

Sometimes it takes times like this to fully realize how relationships affect and propel us forward… Thanks Harry, for your continual encouragement and endearing friendship; You will be missed.

When I remember Harry, I think of the quote by Winston Churchill: Never, never, never give up. My advice in my last conversation was: Pick your battles, Harry! Then I realized he and I are a lot alike.

My sincerest condolences Schwartz Family. The death of a loved one is extremely painful. It’s unfair and takes away the people we love the most. Please know that during such a difficult time, you are not alone. Our father and God Jehovah is with you and your family. Psalm 34:18 says “[He] is close to the broken-hearted.” Know that he yearns to bring them back to life (Job 14:15). And soon he will bring a resurrection, John 5:28,29 says “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” May this promise give you hope and endurance to face the future with confidence. 

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to all of the members of the Harry Schwartz Family and Friends.  Holding up our sincere thoughts and prayers for you to feel God's love, peace and hope.

-John & Karen Strockis

My Condolences, to the Family of Harry! My Thoughts & Prayers, are with you!    ❤🙏🙏🙏🌹

The entire Jeff Jackson family shares special  memories and prayers in honor of Harry, and all the joy and laughter he brought to family and friends.  He was truly a special gem,