William Schwartz, LBHS graduate, dies at 82

William R. Schwartz, a former Long Beach resident and a long time math teacher in the Briarcliff Public School District, died on Jan. 26. He was 82. 

Born Jan. 25, 1928 in Manhattan, Schwartz spent his formative years in Long Beach, graduating from Long Beach High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army that year and served 18 months as a Private First Class. He graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in psychology and earned a Masters in education at Hofstra University.
Schwartz was a sportswriter, owned a shoe store and was active in local politics before settling into his career as an educator. He was an enthusiastic and colorful teacher at Briarcliff Middle School, known for his love of math, challenging lessons and memorable style. He retired in 1981 and became a financial services advisor for Variable Annuity Life Insurance
Company.
“Bill was especially proud of his daughter, Wendy, and often spoke of her accomplishments to all who would listen,” said Tom Gardner, Schwartz’s his son-in-law. “Later he would also express pride in his grandchildren, Allison and Kristen.”