Alfred and Doris Schwartz, originally of New York City, recently passed away within two weeks of each other.

Al and Dorie moved to Maplewood at Newtown three years ago and made fast friends with the residents and staff. They were the longest married couple living at Maplewood, having celebrated 73 years of marriage on Christmas Day, 2019. Alfred would have been 102 years young this month and Doris was just shy of her 98th birthday. Initially reluctant to move from their cherished condo in New Jersey, they quickly learned that assisted living gave them freedom to socialize rather than keep house. Dorie soon became the life of the party, regaling everyone with off-color jokes and risqué stories, while Al was the wise and reserved elder. Their contrasting temperaments seemed like an improbable match, but it was this quirky harmony that made them exceptional. They will be dearly missed by all who knew them.

Al and Doris leave behind a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Lisa Schwartz of Newtown; and two beloved grandchildren, Zack Schwartz of San Diego, Calif., and Hannah Schwartz, of Brooklyn, N.Y. They were pre-deceased by their daughter, Deborah Marshall, of Cherry Hill, N.J.

Special recognition and gratitude to their son-in-law, Don Marshall, who, with the help of his wife, Karen, cared for Doris with extraordinary love and compassion through her final days.

There will be no funeral or memorial service; however, when conditions permit, their ashes will be scattered in the East River, a place dear to both of these native New Yorkers.

The best way to pay tribute to Alfred and Doris would be to live your best life: commit to always doing good, laughing whenever possible, and caring for each other above all else. This was their secret to longevity.