Yale Saul Schwartz, 64, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and mentor, Yale was known for his generosity, quick wit, and natural ability to make others feel valued.

Born on April 10, 1962, Yale grew up in Union, New Jersey, where he formed lifelong friendships. Affectionately known as "Yalester" to his friends and "Brother" to his sisters, Leah and Gale ("Gitty"), he never forgot his Jersey roots.

Yale's passion for cooking began with his mother, Beatrice, whose recipes and traditions he carried forward throughout his life. He went on to spend more than 30 years with Hyatt Hotels, finding his professional calling in training and mentoring others. Through his storytelling, humor, and legendary Plan B, he inspired thousands of hospitality professionals around the world, encouraging them to become "comfortably uncomfortable" and recognize their potential. Many of his colleagues became dear friends. He later founded Yale & Schwartz, a customer-experience coaching and consulting business.

The ultimate host, Yale welcomed friends like family, remembered birthdays, and always knew the perfect restaurant for any occasion. With a glimmer in his eye, a big, boisterous laugh, and a seemingly endless supply of one-liners, he could make even the most ordinary moment memorable. Whether declaring himself "the Mayor" because he seemed to know someone everywhere he went or requesting a restaurant's "finest tap water," he always found a way to make people laugh. His familiar response to "How are you?" was always "Living the dream." And he meant it.

In 1996, Yale and Lori moved their young family to Orlando, where they built a home and a wonderful community of friends. Throughout their 38-year marriage, they were partners and best friends who simply loved being together. When they first met, Lori thought, "He's the kindest person I've ever met." That impression never changed. Their home was also filled with beloved four-legged family members, despite Yale's longtime insistence that he wasn't an animal person.

Nothing brought Yale greater pride than his three ladies: Lori and their daughters, Erica and Mindy. The ultimate girl dad, he was present for life's milestones, encouraged his daughters to follow their dreams, and made sure they always knew he was just a phone call away.

Yale loved movies, travel, the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and Bruce Springsteen, all longtime passions spanning more than 50 years. He also became an avid Florida State football fan after both daughters attended the university. Whether down the Shore in New Jersey or along the Florida coast, the beach was always his happy place. Above all, he loved sharing his passions with his daughters.

Throughout his final illness, Yale displayed the same toughness, grit, and unmistakable sense of humor that defined his life.

Yale was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and George Schwartz; his mother-in-law, Arlene Klein; and his brother-in-law, Allen Cohen.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; daughters, Erica and Mindy (Josh); father-in-law and dear friend, Ron Klein; sisters, Leah More (Jay) and Gale Cohen; brother-in-law, Jeffery Klein; and his beloved nephews and extended family.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 16, 2026 at Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (11200 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836) Interment will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery (9302 Morton Jones Road, Gotha, FL 34734).

The family will sit shiva at their home on Friday, October 16, 2026 following the burial; Saturday, October 17, from 7:00–9:00 PM with Minyan Service at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 18, from 12:00–4:00 PM and 6:30–9:00 PM with Minyan Service at 7:30 PM. May he rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Yale's honor to Moffitt Cancer Center or Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation.

A true mensch, Yale made people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His legacy lives on in the friendships he nurtured, the traditions he passed down, and the countless lives he touched.

And so, we leave him with the words he so often left us: "Catch you on the flip side."

Service entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 933 Lee Road, Suite 101, Orlando, Florida 407-599-1180.