End of Watch: Honorary Cranford Officer Ray Schwartz Passes At 15

CRANFORD, NJ - Tuesday was the end of watch for honorary Cranford Police Officer Raymond Schwartz Jr., the 15-year-old high school student who was battling glioblastoma for the past 15 months.

"It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to inform you that one of our ninth grade students, Raymond Schwartz Jr., passed away earlier today after a courageous battle," Cranford Superintendent Scott Rubin said in an email sent to the community. " Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with the Schwartz family during this time."

Schwartz, who celebrated his 15th birthday last week, loved law enforcement and was made an honorary police officer by the Cranford Police Department. Cranford Police Chief Ryan Greco tld Patch his department will be there for the family.

"The Cranford Police Department is here to support the Schwartz Family during this unimaginable time of need," he said.

Raymond's mother Stacy Schwartz, a member of the staff at the Jefferson School in Westfield, took a leave of absence to help care for her son had a GoFundMe launched by colleagues to help pay for his care. That campaign has exceeded its initial $20,000 goal, amassing over $31,000 in eight days.

According to Jefferson School Principal Susie Hung, Stacy Schwartz's co-workers immediately came to her aid. The Ray of Hope for Raymond GoFundMe page was assembled by Anna Carissimo and Jill Niemczyk and in the short time it has been live the money and the support has been pouring in and that has continued after Raymond's passing.

"The staff and I are deeply saddened by the news of Raymond's passing. Raymond's family surrounded him with love as he passed peacefully. We are very grateful to the community for their tremendous support of the Schwartz family through prayers and generous donations via the gofundme page created last week," Hung said. "Our deepest condolences are with the Schwartz family and their friends."

Similar sentiments were shared on the fundraiser page.

"I'm so deeply sorry for your tragic loss," Anna Bailer said. "My heart goes out to your family today."

"I am deeply sorry for your loss," Angel Bellero said. "May he rest in peace and God hold you during this difficult time."

Sandra Rodriguez said that no parent should ever know the pain and heartbreak of losing a child. "My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time," she said.

Posts on social media were asking that Cranford High School students wear yellow to honor Schwartz on Wednesday and Rubin said students will have varied reactions to the passing of a peer.

"Any reaction is normal in the grief process and can range from withdrawal, to crying and anger," Rubin said. "I encourage you to openly discuss with your child their reactions and feelings regarding the passing of our student."

Rubin said that as the community processes the tragic news, the district will have
counseling and mental health staff available at each school for all students and staff in need of support.

"We will assess our needs and continue to provide support as needed," Rubin said. "In this very difficult time, I know the Cranford community will come together to support and lean on one another."

(Photo courtesy of the Cranford Police Department)

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