Edward A. Schwartz, 69, community activist, Philadelphia Council member

Edward A. Schwartz, 69, of East Mount Airy, a community activist who was elected to Philadelphia City Council and later became an Internet-savvy organizer, died this week at his home, his wife said Thursday.

Mr. Schwartz died of a possible heart attack Wednesday night, Nov. 28, or Thursday morning, Nov. 29, said his wife, Jane Shull. He had an untreatable heart ailment.

He served as an at-large councilman from 1984 to 1987 and then as director of the city's Office of Housing and Community Development.

Council President Darrell L. Clarke announced Mr. Schwartz's death at the beginning of Council's meeting Thursday, drawing gasps from the crowd, then asked for a moment of silence.

"Councilman Schwartz was the classic neighborhood activist who, once in public office, expanded his megaphone broadly so that many other voices could be heard," Clarke said later in a statement.

"He was able to transform his activism into sound public policy on a number of issues, particularly with regard to housing. He understood better than most in this business that Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and that all are worthy of our care and attention."

Councilwoman Cindy Bass said Mr. Schwartz, who lived near her in the Eighth District, supported her campaign.

"Philadelphia has lost a champion, particularly for the progressive and liberal communities - and the Northwest," she said.

Former Gov. Ed Rendell described Schwartz as a relentless crusader.

"That passion was always directed at helping other people, never helping himself," said the former Philadelphia mayor.

Rendell said he was surprised to learn of Schwartz's death, saying he was "far too young" and had much more to offer his fellow citizens.

The Philadelphia author Allen Hornblum recalled being a Democratic committeeman during the 1970s when he attended a community meeting Schwartz organized at a Northeast Philadelphia library.

"He was a breath of fresh air for people like myself who wanted a little more than what the party had to offer," Hornblum said.

Mr. Schwartz wanted to teach people how to "fend for themselves and fight the system," said Hornblum, who went on to become an activist leader himself.

Mr. Schwartz was born in New York City. He received a bachelor's degree in political science from Oberlin College and a doctorate in political theory at Rutgers University, Shull said.

He decided to move to Philadelphia in 1971, he would say, "to fight Frank Rizzo," his wife recalled.

Two decades later, Mr. Schwartz attended Rizzo's funeral.

"Over time, people come to respect each other," Shull said.

Mr. Schwartz founded the Institute for the Study of Civic Values in 1973. During that decade, he joined forces with the Rev. Joseph M. Kakalec to promote neighborhood activism.

Mr. Schwartz also was a computer and Internet pioneer in Philadelphia politics.

"He brought computers to City Council," Shull said.

In 1996, he wrote the book NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet.

He also was known for his love of jazz and playing piano with friends at the Reading Terminal Market.

Two years ago, Mr. Schwartz was found to have Alzheimer's disease. He began to suffer from severe depression, his wife said.

But his condition improved this year. He began playing again with his friends in the musical group, called the Reading Terminals. He also began attending City Council meetings.

"It was making him feel better to connect with old friends," Shull said.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Schwartz is survived by a daughter, Ruth.

Services were pending.