CHICAGO (September 20, 2020) – Loyola University Chicago mourns the death of former director of athletics Chuck Schwarz, who passed away Wednesday (Sept. 16) at the age of 80. Schwarz served as the Ramblers' AD from 1987 through 1999. 
 
During his tenure in Rogers Park, Schwarz played a pivotal role in the construction of Gentile Arena as well as Loyola Soccer Park and Loyola Softball Park. His vision helped transform Loyola Athletics as the department expanding scholarship offerings while also increasing the size of the staff.
 
"Chuck truly lived the Jesuit mantra as a person for others," Loyola senior associate athletics director Tom Hitcho said. "He cared for and supported student-athlete welfare both in competition and in the classroom and did a lot during his tenure here to improve the student-athlete experience. Our condolences go out to his wife, Joan, and the rest of the Schwarz family."
 
Schwarz came to Loyola following a distinguished career as a basketball coach at both Lewis University and St. Laurence High School. In nine seasons at the helm of the men's basketball program at Lewis, he compiled a 160-87 overall record, guiding the Flyers to five 20-win seasons and five NCAA Division II Tournament appearances.
 
While at St. Laurence, he was a six-time Chicago Catholic League Coach of the Year honoree and led his teams to a 260-96 overall mark in 15 seasons. In addition to his role as the head varsity coach at St. Laurence, he also served as a teacher and as the director of athletics.
 
Schwarz is a member of the hall of fame for the Chicago Catholic League, Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, St. Laurence High School and Lewis University Athletics.
 
Visitation is Monday, Sept. 21 from 4-8 p.m. at Brady Gill Funeral Home (16600 S. Oak Park Ave.) in Tinley Park. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Oak Forest.