Hugh W. Schwarz, 92, of Vineyard Haven, died suddenly on Friday, March 25, at Mass General in Boston, with family at his side.
Hugh was born on August 16, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Walter M. and Hazel Frensdorf Schwarz. He grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y., spending summers in Vineyard Haven since 1923. In 1943, he married Mary “Mamise” Conners, his wife of 65 years.
Hugh was a 1936 graduate of Tabor Academy, 1940 graduate of Dartmouth College, and 1942 graduate of MIT.
Hugh began his career in Boston with National Research Corporation. Subsequently he joined a team of engineers that developed the frozen concentrate process and established Minute Maid Corporation. He was also an integral part of developing the Florida Orange Growers’ Association. Eventually, Hugh moved on to Atlanta and Coca Cola from which he retired in 1978.
Hugh had a lifelong love of Martha’s Vineyard and sailing her waters. Brought to Vineyard Haven in 1923, he soon was spending every summer vacation here. His father, Walter, along with others, founded the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club and Hugh was an active member for 82 uninterrupted years, serving three terms as Commodore. During the ’30s Hugh raced Riptide very successfully. He was an enthusiastic supporter and participant in Holmes Hole Racing, racing his Vixen 34, Fox, and even raced in the 2010 season. Additionally, Hugh was intensely involved in community affairs, especially VNA.
Hugh is survived by his children, Nancy MacMullen of Oak Bluffs; Jeff Schwarz of Harvard and his wife, Kim; grandchildren Duncan and Dawn MacMullen, Eric, Andrew, and William Schwarz, and Greg Luce. He is also survived by his sister, Margot Weston, and numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, Mamise, and daughter, Pam S. Clark, predeceased him.
Plans for a memorial will be forthcoming.Donations can be made to either Vineyard Nursing Assocation, PO Box 399, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 or Sail MV, PO Box 1998, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
