Andrew Schwartz, a distinguished Brooklyn Law School graduate who devoted his life to public service, passed away in August 2024, A lifelong New Yorker, he served six mayors during his 37-year career in city government.
To honor Andy’s contributions to our city, his family, friends and co-workers have established a Memorial Fund in his name to support Brooklyn Law students preparing for careers in public service.
During his long his career in City government, Andy served as legal counsel for the City’s Law Department and the Campaign Finance Board, where he became Chief Litigation Counsel. Most of Andy’s work was with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), where he led in various capacities, including First Deputy Commissioner and Acting Commissioner through several leadership changes. Before and during law school, he worked as a Ranger in the National Park Service at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Saratoga Battlefield.
Andy excelled in all of his professional roles, tapping into his innate wisdom and intelligence, his broad knowledge of all things New York, and a vast trove of amazing people skills. He deeply cared for his colleagues and acted on it, always extending a helping hand and offering advice and mentorship to his newer co-workers.
His colleagues appreciated his warmth, honesty, compassion and wit. Andy was beloved at the office, a remarkable achievement that meant so much to him. And his love of baseball and role on the SBS Giants’ softball team made him a model team player, on and off the field.
Even more than public service, Andy cherished his family and friends. As a Brooklyn Law student, Andy met his wife of 37 years, Kathleen Gallagher, in their first-year law class. Their daughter Caitlin Schwartz, is also a Brooklyn Law graduate. Andy was so proud of Caitlin, his son, Gregory Schwartz, and son-in-law, Charles Carota.
He was overjoyed to welcome his first grandchild, Siobhan Carota, in September 2023.
Andy had an strong bond with his brother, Bob Schwartz, and sister-in-law, Karen Gellen, He was adored by many cousins, nieces and nephews of the Schwartz and Gallagher clans. His circle of friends was enormous, including the lifelong friends he grew up with in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
We hope you will join Andy’s family, friends and colleagues in supporting the Andrew Schwartz ’84 Memorial Fund. Your tax-deductible gift will encourage and support Brooklyn Law School students preparing for careers in public service.
“Giving back to the community was always a high priority for Andy, says his brother, Bob Schwartz. “That’s why we’re working to establish this scholarship to assist the next generation of Brooklyn Law students who are eager to serve our city and fellow New Yorkers.”
