M. William “Bill” Schwartz, M’61, RES’65, a professor of pediatrics at PSOM and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), died on March 13, 2026. He was 90. 

Dr. Schwartz was born in 1935 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He graduated from high school in 1953 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and went on to attend Lafayette College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1957. He received his medical degree from Penn in 1961.

Following medical school, he completed his internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in 1962, then returned to Philadelphia to complete a residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in 1964. 

Dr. Schwartz entered military service in the United States Air Force, serving as a captain and base pediatrician at George Air Force Base from 1965 to 1967. After returning to Philadelphia, Dr. Schwartz completed a nephrology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia under the mentorship of David Cornfeld. 

Dr. Schwartz joined Penn in 1967, rising to become a professor of pediatrics before retiring and being accorded emeritus status in 2002 (Almanac May 7, 2002). He published numerous research studies and authored several pediatric textbooks. He also served in key administrative roles, including as assistant department chair and assistant dean of primary care. His legacy continues through an annual grand rounds lecture series at CHOP named in his honor.

In recognition of his extraordinary dedication to education, Dr. Schwartz received the prestigious Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1978 (Almanac May 2, 1978). He also served on Penn’s Faculty Senate Executive Committee from 1983-1985 and received the Special Dean’s Teaching Award in 1997 (Almanac April 15, 1997), where he was praised for “30 years of contribution to the educational efforts of the Medical School, by developing innovative courses, including on the evolving applications of computer-assisted learning.” Additionally, he served for many years on the board of Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia.

Dr. Schwartz is survived by his sons, David and Charles (Brandie); and grandchildren, Mitchell and Caroline. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made on Dr. Schwartz’s behalf to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia, 345 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004.