Todd R. Schwartzman 60, of Boonton, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

You'll fall in love with him the instant you meet him. "The Giant", standing at 6 '6 and weighing in at 260 pounds of pure muscle and taking up quite a bit of space, Todd could appear to be quite menacing; that is until he began speaking to you with such welcoming warmth. Incredibly engaging, Todd had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important and the most interesting person in the room.

One of the goofiest and most playful humans, Todd had a sense of humor that ran the gamut from telling goofy jokes to doing whimsical impressions, to crafting "insightful & introspective" poetry. He loved laughing and making people laugh, and did things along the lines of sliding on the floor behind a wall, or acting like a bird peacocking and running around like a madman or walking in slow motion impersonating BigFoot. Sometimes you would lose him when you were telling him a story (you could tell because his eyes would widen and his head and mouth would move back and forth) because something would be said that would trigger a comedy bit in his brain and the crafting would begin. Our T-Schwa will be remembered for doing anything to make others laugh, and often used his loved ones to test out his comedic material. But what made Todd even more special was his ability to laugh at himself; he had such levity, making him that much more loveable.

Todd was an exceptional athlete; there wasn't a sport where he didn't look exquisite (with exception of ping pong). Todd played college ball, where as a sophomore he was the starting center, and a vital cog on the NJ Hall of Fame 1986 Jersey City State College basketball team, which reached the 1986 Division III Final Four. His teammates had nicknames for him such as, "Mr. Hustle", "The Aircraft Carrier", and "Todd Monster". Todd continued his successful basketball career by playing a season of professional ball in Israel, playing in many high caliber leagues that included NBA players and playing for Israel in the Maccabiah games. Todd transitioned from basketball to competing in Strong Man Competitions. Despite regularly competing against those much younger, Todd's performance and power awed others, but what was even more profound was how he cheered and supported his fellow competitors, gaining him the respect and admiration of others. Todd was a warm, kind and encouraging man, giving you the confidence to keep trying, to keep getting better. Join him on a golf course and you'll see a natural athlete, with one of the sweetest swings. Todd had an easy, yet powerful tempo that left you speechless because that ball would sail 290 yards down the fairway. Sometimes it looked like a plane ascending in the sky, with that low rise, launching higher and higher. And in those moments when he actually hit the fairway that he was supposed to be on, he would pick up his tee while the ball was still airborne, walk with a little swag, saying with a goofy smirk, "I like to drive for show."

A simple guy, Todd appreciated the little things, from morning coffee with his wife and dearest friend Charleen, to doing yard work, to having McDonalds every morning at Whole Foods, to walking around the neighborhood with his daughter Chelsea, to watching the Jets in his living room with his two besties, Gary and Robb, to taking rides and going on "fact-finding" missions, to impersonating Dr. Now from the show  "My 600 lb Life", to writing poetry, to playing a round of golf, to hitting the gym, to being manipulated into giving treats to his cat, Doodles. These simple pleasures fueled his soul. Todd had a knack for making the most mundane tasks of daily life fun and he brightened up any room he was in.

Todd was the epitome of a gentle giant. Although he was built like a rock and looked like a warrior, he had a kind soul and was quick to help out anyone in need. It's not surprising that people from all of his circles loved him instantly: Family, friends, basketball teammates, co-workers, neighbors, the cashiers at Whole Foods, frankly ANYONE he came in contact with. Furthermore, Todd was genuinely more concerned with others than himself, even as he battled serious health issues. He became a celebrity at the cancer center as he befriended everyone from the security guards to the lab workers to the nurses, wanting them to know how much each and every one one of them mattered. He had a genuine interest in getting to know anyone he came in contact with and had a knack for remembering the smallest details about the interests of others. Todd knew how to make you feel special and valued.

Our hearts break at such a profound loss. One of his friends said, "We need more Todds in this world, not less." You're damn right.

The world is a little less special because it's missing one of the best. Todd touched each and every one of us. Todd made each and everyone of us a better version of ourselves. Todd knew how to bring out the best in us. Todd  left something with everyone he touched. How could you not fall in love with such a man? Simply put: To know Todd, was to love Todd.

Beloved husband of Charleen C. (nee Martinelli) Schwartzman. Devoted father of Chelsea Schwartzman and Doodles. Loving son of the late Leonard & Irene (nee Rubin) Schwartzman. Cherished twin brother of Scott Schwartzman and his wife Alyssa Leifer, Joy Schwartzman and her husband Frank Fedele, and Michelle Schwartzman. Brother in law of Richard Martinelli (Deanna), Sheila Kronyak (Michael), and Michael Martinelli (Francesca). Treasured uncle of sixteen nieces & nephews.

Memorial visitation Saturday, February 18th from 2 - 6 PM, with a Service at 4 PM at Costa Memorial Home, Boulevard & Central Ave. Hasbrouck Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Todd's name to:

Immune Deficiency Foundation - https://primaryimmune.org/

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - https://www.dana-farber.org/