Lynbrook resident Bernard ‘Bernie’ Schwam dies at 89

Bernard (Bernie) Schwam died on July 25. He was 89.

Schwam was known to many as kind, generous, patient and a teacher to all, a real Mensch, and as a product of the Old World, he valued honesty and modesty. He spent 47 years with the New York City Transit Authority and was respected by his colleagues for his diligence and reliability. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Susan, for just shy of 57 years, and raised a family after moving to Long island in 1968.

Upon moving, Schwam became an active member of the Malverne Jewish Center and as a trained engineer from a generation raised to value hard work and a do-it-yourself mentality, Schwam could fix anything that had a wire and a power source.

Though not adventurous in the traditional sense, he indulged in a motorcycle as a hobby. In addition to leaving a family and lifetime of memories, his legacy includes a garage full of tools and assorted machinery in various states of repair. A principle of Jewish tradition is Tikun Olam — Repair of the World — Bernie’s devotion to his faith and his habit of constant repair embodied this tradition profoundly.  His actions and ways are worthy of emulation, his family said.

Schwam’s life was celebrated by those he touched at the home of his son, Adam, between July 27 and 29. In addition to his wife, Schwam is survived by his three sons, Neil, Adam and Jonathan; his granddaughters, Allie and Ava; and scores of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Schwam was a man of modest means who nevertheless was a lifelong supporter of various charities.  For those interested in honoring his memory, a donation may be made in his name to the Jewish National Fund at jnf.org.