Oceanside CA— Oceanside couple, Gil and Lois Schwartz will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary today, August 26, 2016, aboard the aircraft carrier museum, Midway where Gil is a volunteer. The couple will be presented a proclamation from the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors during Captain’s Quarters “Docent’s Happy Hour.”
On Thursday morning, the two were honored with a surprise celebration at Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop where Lois has been a volunteer for the past fifteen years. Oceanside Deputy Mayor, Chuck Lowery was on hand to present the couple with a proclamation naming the day, August 25, 2016 as Mr and Mrs. Schwartz Day.
“I’m very happy to be Lois’s husband. She is the best thing that ever happened to me.” said Mr. Schwartz. “She has provided so many things at home; stability, four kids, the whole works.”
Gil and Lois were married in Miami, Florida on August 26, 1956 and have traveled the world together during their 60 years of marriage. They moved to San Diego County in 1978. After a few years in Seattle, Washington, the Schwartz’s moved back to San Diego, buying their home in Oceanside in 1999.
Gil was the second of three generations of U.S. Army soldiers serving with the occupation forces in Japan during WWII. He followed in his father, Nathans’ footsteps, who served in Europe during WWI and inspired his son, Ivan’s service in the 1980’s.
Gil is a retired CPA and at one time, in the 1950’s, was the youngest CPA, in the State of Florida. Gil has served on many temple boards in San Diego and also in Brevard County, Florida.

The couple enjoys attending live theater and classical music performances throughout Southern California, but volunteering is among their favorite activities.
Gil has been a volunteer, most Friday afternoons, on the Midway Museum for over 8 years, logging more than 1,000 hours on deck. Lois has been a volunteer at Brother Benno’s Thrift Shop, in Oceanside, on Tuesdays and Thursdays for over 15 years. She was previously actively involved with Hadassah and B’nai Brith along with various PTA’s, little league and many after school activities.
The couple have four children, Dave, Ivan, Steven and Toby plus eight grandchildren. Lois also received a certificate of recognition from Brother Benno’s for her many years of service at the thrift store.