Ralph Schwartz, nurse, is dead at 58

RALPH JACOB SCHWARTZ, a nurse who worked at various local nursing homes, died on Saturday, August 16, of heart failure. He was 58.

A native of New Orleans, Schwartz had been working in nursing since 2004 and had worked for a time in nursing homes in Alexandria and Baton Rouge before moving back to work in the New Orleans area.

He began his nursing career following his studies at Delgado Community College and Charity School of Nursing.

Prior to his nursing studies, Schwartz had been employed as a waiter catering to private parties at Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter and was also employed at the oyster bar at the Monteleone Hotel.

Born as one of a pair of twins, Schwartz was a former member of Sigma Alpha Rho fraternity and graduated from Alcee Fortier High School. An avid reader, he attended  Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Among his many interests, he enjoyed theatre and loved watching movies.

Enamored of theatre, he embarked on an acting career in 1978, moving from New Orleans to New York. During the next six years, he became involved in several acting projects including some with soon-to-be megastars Robin Williams and Bruce Willis.

Schwartz is survived by his twin brother David and his younger brother Alex; sister Irma Schwartz; step-sisters Jacqueline Lob Stern (Chuck) and Nancy Lob Karesh; and step-brother Dave Lob.

Services were private.