Josef Schwarz of Melrose, passed away at The Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill on Dec.11, 2006. He was 77 years old. Born in Schmeidshau, Czechoslovakia to the late Stefan & Anna (Haas) Schwarz. He worked as a shepherd as a boy and came to The United States in 1954. He worked for the Ideal Can Company of Wakefield for many years and enjoyed Red Sox games, Classical & German Music and playing the harmonica. Mr. Schwarz was a member of The Knights of Columbus of Melrose and became a naturalized citizen in 1994. He was the husband of the late Dolores A. (Drottar) Schwarz. Loving father of Joseph S. Schwarz & his wife Karen of Methuen & Deborah Hustead & her husband Terry of Worthington, Ohio. Cherished grandfather of Heather, Christopher & Rachel Schwarz & Jamilah Ataya. Caring brother of Valeria Greschner of Bempflingen, Germany, Wilma Martelli of Cambridge, Anna Schwarz of Wayland & Stephen Ziggy Schwarz of Ayer. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Fri. Dec. 15th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Marys Church Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Family & friends invited. Visiting hours Thurs. from 4-8PM. For directions, obituary or to sign guest book, visit www.gatelyfh.com