John Matthew Schwarz

John Matthew Schwarz of Bay City, age 75, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 at McLaren Flint. John was born February 19, 1948 in Saginaw, the son of the late Joseph K. and Mary Evelyn (Coyle) Schwarz. He graduated from Bridgeport High School with the class of 1966 and went on to join the U.S. Navy. John studied electronics and then worked at Covenant-Harrison as a Maintenance Engineer, retiring after twenty-six dedicated years. In his early years, he enjoyed time spent on Murphy Lake with his family and being out in nature. John continued his love of nature taking walks at the Bay City State Park and downtown by the river. It was downtown at Populace Coffee Shop you could always be sure to find him every morning. Populace was his home away from home, John loved to sit and read and visit with the other patrons and workers. He was named the honorary Grandpa by many of the workers and was the sole card holder member of the “Free Coffee for Life Club.” In the evenings, John enjoyed an occasional cold one at Mulligans or Jake’s Bar and liked listening to the local bands. He loved learning how electronics worked, the different radio frequencies, and crystal radios – John could tinker and build the most intricate crystal radios. John and his son, Joshua, were fantastic woodworkers, building several greenhouses and sheds. He adored his two grandbabies and cherished time spent with his family. John touched many people’s lives and will be missed by all who knew him.

John leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Danielle (Josh) Halpin; grandchildren, Joshua Matthew Halpin II and Lola Elizabeth Halpin; siblings, Charles J. (Shirlee) Schwarz, Rose Ann Twiford, and Mary L. (Paul) Singer; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and countless friends. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his son, Joshua Schwarz; brother, William “Bill” (Sharon) Schwarz; brother-in-law, Michael J. Twiford.

In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Populace Coffee Shop, 810 Saginaw Street, Bay City, Michigan 48708, with Rev. Tony Jacobs officiating. After the service, visiting will continue until 7:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the wishes of the family, c/o Danielle Halpin, for a memorial to be dedicated in John’s name at Populace or consider an act of kindness or “paying it forward” to continue on John’s legacy of kindness.