Gary Schwartzman

Gary J. Schwartzman, (78), of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

Born on Thursday, July 20,1944, Gary was a life-long resident of Albuquerque. He graduated from Albuquerque High School and attended the University of New Mexico.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Alfred L. Schwartzman and Gertrude Schwartzman Rathgeber, wife Sherrell Schwartzman, daughter Lesley Garringer and granddaughter Ashly Erickson.

He is survived by his children: son, Major (Ret.) Joseph Charles Schwartzman, wife Geri; daughters, Amy Nolker, husband Don; Maryjanet Davis, wife Jenn; Shane Yost; and Clifford Yost, wife Jennifer. He is survived by his adored grandchildren; Kimberly Erickson; Ashlee Carrasco; Taylor Carrasco; Madeline Schwartzman; Mathew Schwartzman; Josh Nolker, wife Annie; Jennifer Adlesperger, husband Matt; Jessica Perea, husband Ernesto; and loving great-grandchildren: Brodie, Charli, Addie, Brady, and Colton.

Gary grew up working in the family business, Schwartzman Packing Company, which was founded by Gary's great-grandfather in the early 1900s and grew to be a prominent meat-packing plant in the state of New Mexico. He later worked for Baker Commodities and eventually became a realtor and started Sunshine Realty.

Community service was an important value instilled in Gary by his parents. As such, Gary became a Rotarian, Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner, and was honored to be selected as Potentate of Ballut Abyad Shrine in 1993, Member of the Royal Order of the Jesters, and Order of the Quetzalcoatl. Some of Gary's fondest memories were those as a member of the Loco Patrol and Divan of the Shrine.

Gary loved to travel with his wife of 46 years, Sherrell. They traveled across New Mexico and the country with friends for various Shrine functions, fishing trips to Elephant Butte or trips to Mazatlán with close friends. He loved spending time with his family and playing with his three Shih Tzu: Killer, Butch and Sundance.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed telling colorful stories about his life experiences. Gary is remembered for his epic western personality, unique humor, and abundant generosity.

Gary's family will host a Memorial Service on Friday, May 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center, 6600 Zuni S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shriner's Children's Hospital of Salt Lake City, c/o the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center, 6600 Zuni S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108.  A special note of gratitude to the Ballut Abyad Shrine Center for their kind support.