We Mourn the Death of Steven Schwartz

Sommers Schwartz sadly announces that Steven J. Schwartz died on April 2, 2016 after battling illness. Steve was a former Senior Shareholder and Of Counsel to the firm, and a guiding force in its growth and success over the years.

“Steve was one of the pre-eminent business and taxation attorneys in Michigan and elsewhere,” said Joseph H. Bourgon, CEO and Senior Shareholder. “His service to his clients, his leadership of the firm, and his support of the community were far reaching. We will miss him greatly.”

Steve graduated from the University of Michigan in 1961, and later earned his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard University in 1961 and an LL.M in taxation from Georgetown University in 1965. His practice involved general corporate and business transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures of privately and publicly held companies, construction of complicated multimillion settlements, federal and state tax disputes, and shareholder disagreements.

In addition to his participation in the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association, and National Health Lawyers Association, Steve was actively involved with Orchards Children’s Service, a non-profit dedicated to providing specialized care and recreational and educational services to children in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. He was a past President and Chairman of the Board of the organization, and most recently served as the Chair of its Finance Committee.

A devoted family man, Steve is survived by a loving family – his wife Ronna; children Jonathan, Michael, Jordan, and Susan; five grandchildren; sisters Carol Fletcher and Barbara Schwartz; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 4th at Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, Michigan. Donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Orchards Children’s Services, Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Zionist Organization of America, or the Michigan Chapter of Friends of The Israel Defense Forces.