Michael Swartz

Michael Swartz, age 67, long time Mahanoy City resident, passed away July 20, 2021 at his home in Pottsville. He was the son of the late Vincent and Helen Swartz . Michael died from a long bout of blood disorders and liver failure. He spent years battling his medical problems at Pottsville and Geisinger Hospitals. He was a student at St. Canicus grade school and Marian High School. Michael was a noted local and regional Jazz and Blues saxophonist playing for more than 50 years in Schuylkill County and eastern PA and later touring in the eastern USA. He appeared in 40 cities in PA in various pubs, bars, and cafes as a soloist with bands. He also toured the East coast in Boston, Long Island, Philadelphia and New York Greenwich Village. He was written up in the famous Village Voice five times in the 1980's as a soloist and band leader as an up and coming star. Michael's band "Bag Full of Metaphysicians" produced four full cover albums sold in many major cities. In recent years he appeared locally with the band "Karp-Palina-Swartz" ; they had appeared in Mahanoy City, Pottsville, Shamokin, Frackville and Shenandoah to name a few locations. Currently he was working on forming a new touring band until his health failed him. Michael live with his companion the late Lynn Balasteria from 1985-2015. He is survived by his brother William and his wife Maureen, their two sons Christopher and Jason Swartz, an aunt Evelyn Prep and cousins Victor Prep and Diane Prep Mackniss. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. David D. Jarrett Funeral Home of Mahanoy City is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.jarrettfuneralhome.com for more information.

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