Yes, I’m breaking into my queue. Something I don’t do very often.
This past Sunday, while I was celebrating with my son (and my family) his graduation from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), my cousin, Hartley (Lee) Adrian Schwartzberg, died. I hadn’t seen him- or his family- in a while (he livesd in Florida). I have tried to keep in touch, though. (Facebook is NOT as good as being there, nor is eMail.) And, I’ve thought of him and his brother, my other close cousin, often.
When I was younger, we spent weekends together- in Brightwaters, in Forest City, at the Catskills, and in Brooklyn with our grandparents. Roger and Lee were among my best friends. I learned to play “Clue” (and became expert at it, thanks to Roger and Lee), cards (although my grandfather was also critical to that development), and myriads of other activities. We went to their swim club by the beach, we went to the park (where I exited the sliding pond head first…), and we enjoyed music together. (Which explains my introduction to the Who- and the Magical Mystery Tour…)
Lee was older than I. (OK, so’s Roger.) And, as a boy, Lee wanted two things in life- to be a musician and a doctor. I would venture to say if he could make his millions as a musician, he would have done that– only.
Lee got his music made. As you can see (and hear) above and below. He wrote the songs- and I still recall his trying to make his local (Rochester, NY) hits go national. But, like most musicians, he never made it that big. But, that never stopped him from playing well and happily – all the time.
His career as a dermatologist was also grand. But, the best thing for Lee was his wife and his family… Believe it or not, his wife’s name is Barbara. Yes, really. And, at the nuptials, he played that song for her. (Plus, Moon River- their song.)
Lee leaves the woman he adored, Barbara, his sons Jason and Jordan, and his daughter Danielle- and their respective families. He also leaves his brother Roger and his family. And, as far away as we all live, he leaves our memories- mine, my daughters and my son- with a big gaping hole.
I’m so lonely…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE69dhwUyj4
You’ve left a hole in my heart, too, Lee.
I’m so sorry! What a beautiful tribute Roy.
Thanks for your thoughts, Marie.
Roy, Lee sounds like a great guy, and I’m so sorry for your loss. People who make music and share it with others are such a blessing to us. Lee sounds like he blessed you a great deal.
I feel for his family…from his young daughter (about the same age as my son, with a similar name) to his sons and their families and his wife, as well as his brother. Their loss is far more acute. I hope this memory helps them, Amy…
If you can make those songs digital, Roy, and get me some pictures I would be glad to make you a video file with them both, in celebration of his life. Sending love and prayers for you and your family. <3
I do have the songs digitally saved, Lisa… I thought about doing the same- so thanks, so much.
I am sure we all appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
A very touching tribute and sounds like you have wonderful memories with your cousin. Enjoyed listening to both songs. He was very talented. Was Barbara the woman he wrote the song for or was that a coincident?
Glad you liked Lee’s music. He wrote that song about ten years before he met the Barbara of his dreams…that’s what made it so interesting, Alessa.
Roy, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t have the opportunity to be close to my cousins, but I do have a favorite, who I am not even in communication with. Family is so important. You were blessed to have such cool cousins.
Yes, given the fact that more and more of us move for work, it’s not surprising that we are no longer close to our cousins, Ann.
And, yes, Lee was fun to be around…
What a lovely voice Lee had! This is a very nice tribute to your cousin, Roy. I am so sorry for your loss and that of all his loved ones.
I’m sure Lee is smiling somewhere, knowing he pleased you, Suerae…
Thanks for your kind thoughts.
Very nice to hear these songs Roy,
it’s lovely when there are things like this left behind to remind us of people, and of their passions. Sorry for your family loss,
Gordon
Yes, having not listened to those songs in a decade or so, I’ve certainly gotten my fill over the past few days, Gordon.
Thanks for your kind thoughts.
I am very sorry for your loss, Roy. It looks like Lee has brought a lot of happiness to the people around him. That’s a great way to be remembered !
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Muriel!
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Looking forward to your repeat visits, Irvin.