Memorial Services Set For Honorary Cranford Officer Ray Schwartz

CRANFORD, NJ - Mourners from all over the area are expected to attend the memorial services for Raymond K. Schwartz, the 15-year-old Cranford teenager and honorary police officer, who died Tuesday at Morristown Medical Center after a 15-month battle with brain cancer.

According to his obituary, friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West, Cranford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Cranford. Interment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

Schwartz was a freshman at Cranford High School and district Superintendent Scott Rubin sent out a message Tuesday mourning the loss.

"It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to inform you that one of our ninth grade students, Raymond Schwartz Jr., passed away earlier today after a courageous battle," Cranford Superintendent Scott Rubin said in an email sent to the community. " Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with the Schwartz family during this time."

Schwartz was named an Honorary Police Officer with the Cranford Police Department, as his dream was to one day become a policeman. Cranford Police Chief Ryan Greco told Patch his department will be there for the family.

"The Cranford Police Department is here to support the Schwartz Family during this unimaginable time of need," he said.

According to his obituary, Schwartz was an avid New York Jets fan, and loved playing Xbox with his friends. He also enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing, hiking, and swimming. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Kenneth Measel.
Surviving are his devoted parents, Raymond and Stacy; his loving younger brother, Jack; and his beloved grandparents, Ron and Ann Schwartz, and grandmother Vickie Measel.

Colleagues of Stacy Schwartz started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with Raymond's medical expenses.

According to Jefferson School Principal Susie Hung, Stacy Schwartz's co-workers immediately came to her aid. The Ray of Hope for Raymond GoFundMe page was assembled by Anna Carissimo and Jill Niemczyk and in the short time it has been live the money and the support has been pouring in and that has continued after Raymond's passing.

"The staff and I are deeply saddened by the news of Raymond's passing. Raymond's family surrounded him with love as he passed peacefully. We are very grateful to the community for their tremendous support of the Schwartz family through prayers and generous donations via the gofundme page created last week," Hung said. "Our deepest condolences are with the Schwartz family and their friends."

Similar sentiments were shared on the fundraiser page.

"I'm so deeply sorry for your tragic loss," Anna Bailer said. "My heart goes out to your family today."

"I am deeply sorry for your loss," Angel Bellero said. "May he rest in peace and God hold you during this difficult time."

Sandra Rodriguez said that no parent should ever know the pain and heartbreak of losing a child. "My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time," she said.

Kyra Burdick posted that her entire family was honored to have met Raymond.

"He taught us so much about courage, love, and determination. Our hearts are broken. No words can convey how deeply saddened we are. Our most sincere condolences," she said.

Nicole Zambell also posted a message to her godson.

"To my beautiful Godson Raymond. You were taken from us way too soon. We love you and you will be missed every day by so many people," she said. "May God hold you close in his arms."

The Schwartz family said in the obituary that in lieu of flowers those interested can make a donation in Raymond's memory to The Valerie Fund at 2101 Millburn Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040, or online at this address.

(Photo courtesy of the Cranford Police Department)

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