Allan J. Schwartz (’57) died July 11 at his home in Rochester, NY. As early as 6th grade Allan took a special interest in psychology, encouraged then by 6th grade teacher Bob Allen who himself became a psychologist. Later Allan worked with school psychologist Stan Wolfe. Unlike many of us, his career goal never changed. He became associate professor of clinical psychiatry and senior staff psychologist at the University Counseling Center at the University of Rochester. Allan was particularly noted for his work on student suicide.

Although he began Sea Cliff school as a chubby non-athletic boy who had a large deep scar under one scapula from a lung operation, in high school he became a fierce tennis competitor. In college Allan also won awards for fencing. 

His parents ran a pharmacy on Sea Cliff Avenue that they sold to Emil Dobkins. While Allan was in grade school, the family lived in the apartment above the store, later moving to south Sea Cliff.

Anyone who ever debated with Allan will recognize him in the words that accompanied his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) in 2011: "His work has consistently raised the level of discourse about these topics and sharpened our ways of thinking about these issues."

Below is an obituary from The Rochester Democrat.

Rochester: Allan passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2016, at age 76, remaining steadfast in the face of the cancer diagnosis he received in January. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Sharon Hoffman; devoted stepsons Ted and Andrew (Erica) Hoffman; glorious grandchildren Drew and Bradleigh Jo Hoffman; sister Laura (James) Valente; beloved in-laws, nephews and nieces; D'Bury family; and esteemed colleagues. Sharon sends special thanks to Laurie and Jim Ditzel, whose loving care and attention eased some pain of the past weeks.

 

Allan was born in Brooklyn to Julius and Rose (Rotter) Schwartz. His professional life began with an undergraduate degree from Columbia University, followed by masters degrees from Teachers College at Columbia and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He received a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Rochester in 1973, ultimately appointed as Associate Professor of Psychiatry. Allan worked at the University of Rochester's Mental Health Services and Counseling Center as clinician, teacher, and researcher. He was chief of the agency from 1981 to 1991. Allan was a member of the American College Health Association and the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors. He was an editor for several journals and the recipient of several professional honors and awards.

 

Allan possessed an extraordinary clarity of thought and approached issues (whether related to relationships, broken equipment/machines, or matters of the physical universe) with detailed analysis. He frequently watched sports, attending well to details, and often used sports metaphors to explain concepts in other areas. His natural reserve was paired with the ability to give the best hugs ever. His straightforwardness and honesty led him to speak his truth, even when it hurt him. He was devoted to Sharon, who will forever carry him in her heart.

 

Friends may call on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Rd., Penfield, NY. A celebration of Allan's life will be held on Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 pm. in the University of Rochester Interfaith Chapel, 1045 Wilson Blvd.; reception immediately following at Staybridge Suites, 1000 Genesee St., Rochester. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to R Community Bikes, PO Box 26471, Rochester, NY 14626.

Published in Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from July 17 to July 21, 2016

 

 

 

 
Display:
By Year Deceased Alphabetically schoolmate Photo



2019
James Le Febvre (Class Of 1957)  
Betty Sprague (Harnage) (Class Of 1957)  
Maryann Vanek (Class Of 1957)  

2017
Ruth Ahearn (Loeber) (Class Of 1957)  

2016
Gail Capobianco (Schramm) (Class Of 1957)  
Ron Santonastasi (Class Of 1957)  
Allan Schwartz (Class Of 1957)  

2015
Ned McAdams (Class Of 1957)  

2014
Robert Johnston (Class Of 1957)  

2013
Walter (Vladimir) Fekula (Class Of 1954)
Colette Relation (Cuozzo) (Class Of 1957)  
Thompson E. Wolf (Class Of 1957)  

2011
Abby Hawes (Frank) (Class Of 1957)

2010
Douglas Andrews (Class Of 1957)  

2009
John Maloney (Class Of 1957)  

2007
George Schmersal (Class Of 1957)  

2005
Serge Yonov (Class Of 1957)  

1998
Helen Basilevsky (Class Of 1957)  

1997
Nancy Baker (Class Of 1957)  
Edwin Neice (Class Of 1957)  
Evelyn Piat (Parsons) (Class Of 1957)  
Nancy Samuelson (Class Of 1957)  

1994
Lee Berroyer (Palacios) (Class Of 1957)  

1992
Al Behrmann (Class Of 1957)  

1985
Robert Lucas (Class Of 1957)  

1965
Lois Delgado (Dashnaw) (Class Of 1957)  

DECEASED YEAR UNKNOWN
Dennis Gallagher (Class Of 1955)  
Artie Hall (Class Of 1957)  
Faith LaJoy (Hanson) (Class Of 1957)  
Arlene Maas (Weber) (Class Of 1957)  
Doug Ransweiler (Class Of 1957)  
Margie Repucci (Hauser) (Class Of 1957)  

If you are aware of a schoolmate who should be added to this page please let us know.



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