Longtime Holmdel High Science Teacher Passes Away

HOLMDEL, NJ — Alan Schwartz, a lifelong science teacher at Holmdel High School, passed away on May 11 at the age of 74, said his family. Schwartz requested that his photo not run with his obituary.

He was born on November 18, 1945, in Long Branch, NJ, to his mother Frieda Schwartz-Yohay and father, David Schwartz. He was a lifelong resident of Howell and Lakewood.

Schwartz attended Rutgers University where he obtained his bachelors of science degree, he then went on and earned his masters of science at CW Post. He also attended Glassboro State (Rowan) and The College of the Atlantic for postmasters educational certifications.

Schwartz worked as a teacher at Holmdel High School for 30 years, teaching science, marine biology and geo-ecology with his friend Dan Griesbach. He retired in 2000 with an MS+30 (thirty credits beyond his masters, towards a doctorate degree.)

Throughout his career, he won many awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in New Jersey in 1978, and The New Jersey Science Teacher of the Year award in 1988.

He married the love of his life, Anna Schwartz, of Toms River, in 1968, and they spent a wonderful 52 years together.

Schwartz loved fishing, hunting, antiquing and sailing his old sailboat “Toccata” around Barnegat Bay. He traveled all over the world, including Antarctica, the Arctic, Alaska, Siberia, South America, and all along the Atlantic-Canadian Coast. He was especially proud of the two alligators he shot in Florida with his friend Peter Deeks.

Schwartz is survived by his loving wife, his brother Jeffrey Schwartz of Portland, Maine, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He will be remembered by many family, friends, and former students as a kind and generous soul.

A memorial in his honor to be announced.