Obituary of Michael R. Schwartz

CANASTOTA . . . Michael R. Schwartz, 49, of 5662 Rouses Road, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Oneida Health, following a lengthy illness. He was born on February 26, 1975, in Englewood, NJ, the son of the late Dolan Schwartz and Patricia Belusci. Michael spent his early years in Bergenfield and Hawthorne, NJ, moving to Canastota in 1991. He graduated from Canastota High School in 1993, Mohawk Valley Community College in 1997, and later Keuka College with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He worked as a New York State Park Ranger; as a Criminal Justice Teacher at the Madison-Oneida BOCES Technical School; Utica College Security; Disaster Program Manager Northeast Division Response Management Team Assistant Director of the Red Cross; Director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army in Syracuse; and Chief of Emergency Management for Okaloosa County, FL. Michael was a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America as a Law Enforcement Explorer and Post Advisor; an EMT and volunteer for the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service in Canastota; Active Disaster Vice Chairman for Herkimer-Oneida County; a Deputy for the Salvation Army Incident Commander at the 2016 Republican National Convention; Deputy Area Commander and Planning Section Chief for the Salvation Army's 2017 Hurricane Response; NYS VOAD Representative; and as a Committee Member for Northwest Florida Local Emergency Preparedness. He enjoyed volunteering, and spending time with his family and friends. Michael married Elizabeth M. Gardner on June 10, 2000, in Vernon Center. Surviving besides his wife, Elizabeth, are: three aunts, Meta T. Schwartz, Hope Fay, and Dorothy Kennett, all of FL, as well as cousins. Elizabeth's family, Larry Gardner of Canastota, Kathy Garrison of Canastota, Jewel and Ray Lowe of NC, Donald and Tammy Gardner, Christopher Gardner, Lorraine Gardner, and Linda Gardner, all of Canastota, Bernadette Gardner of KY; nieces, nephews and Godchildren; and his beloved furbabies. A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later time and date to be announced. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service (GLAS), PO Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032.