Family Releases Statement About Man Found In Dumpster
DENVER (AP/CBS4) - The family of a man whose body was found in a trash bin says he served in the U.S Army in the early 60s and spent his career as a laboratory technician helping improve the taste of coffee.
Seventy-one-year-old Gerald Schwartzman's body was found in a dumpster in a Denver alley on Wednesday. A statement released Sunday by Schwartzman's family says he an avid reader who enjoyed hiking and camping and spent his free time playing basketball with neighborhood kids at recreation centers and parks.
Schwartzman family says he worked at Kraft Foods' Maxwell House Division and retired in the mid-1990s.
Denver police say William Lee, 24, is being held in Jefferson County on suspicion of first-degree murder in Schwartzman's death and a carjacking at a mall.
Schwartzman Family Statement
Gerald 'Gerry' Schwartzman was born to Morris and Rose Schwartzman on March 18, 1938 in New York City. He attended City College of New York before his service in the US Army from 1960-1962 in Frankfurt, Germany as an administrative clerk. He was a Laboratory Technician with Kraft Foods Maxwell House Division where he spent his career improving the flavor of coffee. He retired from General Foods (who purchased Kraft/Maxwell House) in the mid 1990's. After the death of his brother David in 2001, and 9/11 he moved to Denver, Colorado to be closer to his family.
Gerry enjoyed hiking and camping in both his native Adirondacks and the mountains of his new home in Colorado. He was an avid birdwatcher and animal lover. In quieter times he was a prolific reader with a love of poetry and a special interest in science, astronomy and physics. He was a great believer in Natural Medicine and Sports as a way to maintain good health. He spent his free time during his retirement playing basketball with neighborhood kids at both his local Recreation Center and nearby parks. He also enjoyed swimming and golf.
He had a brilliant mind. Gerry was an insightful student of history and current events, participating as a Democratic Party Volunteer during elections. His love of nature and the outdoors made him an ardent environmentalist as well as an advocate for civil rights, equality and "Fairness for Everyone". He was a determined fighter for every person's right to be an equal participant in our society.
He was a wonderful brother, uncle, cousin, husband and caring human being. He was a self-less human being...who when you needed him was always there no questions asked. He loved a good laugh and was constantly brightening everyone's day with his comments and laughter.
Gerry was murdered on April 13, 2011. It is our expectation that there will be justice for Gerry and all of the other victims of the horrible series of crimes that included his murder. We would like to thank all of the Law Enforcement Officers whose diligence led to an arrest. We hope the Prosecutor and the Courts will fulfill our wish that the murderer of our beloved brother and uncle be punished appropriately.
He is survived by his sister, Phyllis, and his nephews Larry and Ian, all of Denver, Colorado and a former wife who still lives in upstate New York. His death is a profound loss to his family, friends and his community. He will be dearly missed.
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