Jacob Berl Schwartz Dies at 78

By MARTY SUGARMAN Special to the Palisadian-Post One heart, one way. Jacob Berl Schwartz led a good life and will always be remembered as a person who never created harm or problems to others. He died March 15 at his Pacific Palisades home at the age of 78. A truly wise man who realized that true happiness came from a peaceful and calm disposition and abiding by a clear and definite moral code, Berl led a good and productive life and made every precious moment count. He always appeared content and happy; he was grateful for what he had instead of being unhappy for what he didn?t have. Born on May 5, 1926, in Los Angeles, Berl spent his childhood years in the Los Feliz area and attended Marshall High School. He served in the Army during World War II, but was physically discharged after one year. Later he received a B.A. in history from the University of Southern California. Last May, Berl lost his loving wife of 50 years, Brenda. Her depature left an enormous gap in his life. They had shared many happy years together, and, most importantly, both underlined the importance of instilling a strong moral conscience in their five children (Jeff, Margie, Susan and twins Karen and Lulu) and eight grandchildren. After Brenda?s death, all of Berl?s children stepped in to insure his well being. Besides reading history books, Berl?s other passions in life included playing the piano, strumming the ukelele, doing crossword puzzles, and participating in beach volleyball games. He loved going to Will Rogers State Beach, notwithstanding the weather. He said repeatedly, ?Once you get sand between your toes, you?ll never entirely get it out.? His love for the beach was inherited by all of his children. Berl?s knowledge of music was staggering. He was truly an amateur musicologist. He knew every song title and its lyrics prior to 1960. I recall on many occasions when he gave me a lift somewhere, he would be listening to some scratchy recording of music from the ?40s. A longtime Palisadian, Jacob Berl Schwartz will be deeply missed by all who knew him as an honorable person who was mindfully aware of other people?s feelings and needs. He did not live exclusively for himself. He gave himself first to his family and circle of friends. Bill Plant, a close friend for 48 years, can never recall hearing a negative word spoken about Berl. Another old friend, Shap, added: ?Berl was always there when I needed someone to talk to. He was a very good listener and had the knack of putting you back on the right road.? Funeral services were held Tuesday at Hillside Memorial.