Industry remembers former Phar-Mor, Snyder president Dave Schwartz

The industry recently lost a longtime veteran with the death of Dave Schwartz. Schwartz, who ended his career at Snyder Drug Stores but served in leadership roles at several chains throughout his career, died May 27 at the age of 74.

Schwartz retired in 2009 after a nearly 40-year career that began as a bottle sorter at Skagg’s Drug following his honorable discharge from the military in 1972. He quickly rose in the ranks and held vice president-level roles at Albertsons and Kroger. It was during his tenure at the helm of three chains that Schwartz made a name for himself a turnaround expert, leading Perry Drug Stores in Detroit, then Smitty’s Super Valu in Phoenix and Phar-Mor in Ohio.

Todd Vasos, CEO of Dollar General, worked under Schwartz during his time at Phar-Mor and told Drug Store News that Schwartz was a mentor to him as he was rising in the ranks.  

“Dave was a true merchant, creative and in some respects ahead of his time. He believed in finding people with a lot of potential, investing in them, and giving them the opportunity to flourish,” Vasos said. “I was one of those young retailers that he saw something in and spent time with to make successful.  When I’m asked ‘Who were some of your mentors as you progressed in your career and looked up to?’ invariably Dave Schwartz is one of the first I talk about.”

The Schwartz family said that a ceremony celebrating Schwartz’s life would be held at a future date. They asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Phoenix-based Hospice of the West or the ASU Foundation / M. David Schwartz Memorial Scholarship online or by mail. The scholarship will be for undergraduates pursuing a degree in the retail and food industry management programs at the schools W.P. Carey School of Business.