Bernard M Szwarc, 76, of Salem, died Saturday July 23, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He was the life partner of Phyllis Spector who was his everything for the past 28 years.

Born in Worcester, he was the son of the late Bernard H and Gladys (Andriski) Szwarc. He was raised and educated in Oxford and was a graduate of Oxford Memorial High School, class of 1963. While living in Oxford, he played little league baseball as an infielder for Chaffee Brothers. He made the all-star team as a 12-year-old and had a batting average of .650 with many home rooms.

He continued his education at Wentworth Institute of Technology and received his bachelor's degree in Technology in 1965. Following that, he enlisted with the United States Army and served for two years during the Vietnam War before his honorable discharge in 1969.

Bernie was employed with AT&T for over 35 years in communications before retiring years ago. He was an avid tennis player and skier and was a member of the Wentworth Institute of Technology Black and Gold Society and was a board member of the North Shore Tennis and Squash Club as well.

Besides his life partner Phyllis, Bernie is survived by his sister Ann Szwarc of Swampscott and by his cats who were like children to him, Jezebel and Jeremy and by his beloved cats who predeceased him, Kimball, Bandit, and Shannon and is also survived by many dear friends.

His Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Andrews Chapel at Swampscott Cemetery, Swampscott followed by his burial in Swampscott Cemetery to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

At the request of the family, for all those attending, please consider wearing your tennis gear to help celebrate Bernie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to either, Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Tunnels to Towers, www.t2t.org