Melvin "Mel" Schwartz, 87, of Burlington, died Friday, May 2, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. and was the son of Jess Schwartz and Edith Lurie Schwartz. On October 7, 1966, he married Franciene Soltys in Cumberland, MD. She preceded him in death on September 14, 2005, after 39 years of marriage.
He attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation from Pitt, he went on to work for PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, PA and was subsequently employed by PPG for 45 years. During this time, he had permanent assignments in Pittsburgh, Maryland, Texas, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa. He also had construction, research, and troubleshooting assignments in several Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, California and Washington plants. While employed by PPG in Pittsburgh, he also served in the Marine Corps Reserves.
In his younger days, he liked to travel and went island hopping through the Bahamas with friends where they did their own navigating. He also toured through Europe and spent time in Hawaii.
Mel was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. He followed and rooted for the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and Pitt football and basketball.teams.
He was most proud of his service to the Burlington/West Burlington community and his support of the local United Way, where he served as Campaign Vice Chairman of Manufacturing and Chairman for an Allocation Committee in addition to being a member of the Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and was a member of the Burlington Rotary Club.
He is survived by sons, Jason (Oramai) Schwartz of Chicago, Ill., and Adam (Melanie) Schwartz of Spring, Texas. He is also survived by grandsons, Aidan, Devlan, Gavin, and Dylan Schwartz as well as his brother, Howard (Marce) Schwartz of Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Schwartz will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the American Cancer Society.