On Thursday, September 3, 2020, George Dowell Schwartz, Jr., passed away at age 84. Dowell, as he was known, was born on May 16, 1936 to George and Florence (Bowen) Schwartz. He met his wife Janis (Hager) when they lived on the same street in the Waverly neighborhood of Baltimore as teenagers. Married for 49 years until her death in 2007, they raised two daughters, Jennifer, and Jacquelyn and one son, George III. He is predeceased by his much-loved brother Homer.
Dowell graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and went on to earn his engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University and his MBA from George Washington University. He served in the Army National Guard upon graduation and embarked on a 39-year career with Baltimore Gas & Electric Company retiring as Vice President of the General Services Division in 1997.
Throughout his life Dowell had many interests. As an accomplished athlete, he was an avid golfer and tennis player into his 80’s. He led the Poly and Hopkins football teams as quarterback and Captain, respectively, and enjoyed playing lacrosse and baseball. He was an active volunteer serving on boards including the B&O Railroad Museum, Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross, Johns Hopkins Business Advisory Board, Maryland Historical Society Board of Trustees, and the Financial Executives Institute where he served as President. In retirement he was Chairman of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Foundation. Active in his faith, Dowell treasured the time he was able to serve as a lay minister at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church (now St. Francis Episcopal Parish). He was particularly proud of his work with the Pastor in acquisition and design of the stained glass that adorns the church today.
Known for his humor, wit, kindness, and generosity, he will be missed by many. As much as Dowell enjoyed his work, he also enjoyed socializing. He loved his family and friends above all else and never said no to an opportunity to enjoy their company, whether on a golf course, tennis court, cheering on the Orioles or Ravens, or just chatting on his front porch with his favorite drink, a VO Manhattan and his beloved dog Beau by his side.
Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held in April. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the Robert H. Scott Scholarship Fund at Johns Hopkins University, San Martin Center, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 (https://secure.jhu.edu/form/givenow), or to the Gilchrist Home Care Fund, 11311 McCormick Rd., Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (www.gilchristcares.org