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A.J.'s Story

As short as his life was, the story of little Andrew is quite extensive and filled with lessons that we as child advocates need to read carefully and continue to learn from. As beat-down as he was, this sweet little boy struggled to survive in a household where he got no love and no protection. His only love and shelter from the storm came from those who were on the outside looking in. DCF (HRS) failed him in every possible way. By all rights, they should NOT have closed his case and they SHOULD have returned him to his biological mother, or at the very least, listened to her pleas and placed him in foster care. But DCF (HRS) stood idly by while the warning signs were there and neighbors kept calling, and they even threatened one of those neighbors to stop calling or they'd take her kids away.

There was no protection for the little boy with the Mona Lisa smile, but justice was served when his monster torturer/murderer got placed behind bars, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who know and love him as well as those (like myself) who never got the chance to know him at all.

On the pages that follow is AJ's sad story in black and white as it appeared in the media from 1993 - 2005.

Official Obituaries Having To Do With The Case:

ANDREW "A.J." JAMES SCHWARZ

10, of Ft. Lauderdale, died Sunday, May 2, 1993. AJ was born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, attended Indian River Elementary School, enjoyed playing with Ninja-Turtles and racing his toy cars and trucks. He is survived by his mother, Ilene L. Schwarz; sister, Paula Soini; maternal grandparents, Charles and Georgiana (Gladys) Soini all of Ft. Lauderdale; six aunts, 10 uncles; four great aunts; four great uncles; 14 cousins; and the rest of the Soini Clan. Service 2:00 PM Monday, May 10th at FARCHILD NORTH FEDERAL CHAPEL, 299 N. Federal Highway with Reverend David L. Hamilton of First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Lauderdale Memorial Park. Friends may pay their respects from 6 PM - 8 PM Sunday (today). Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

 

JAMES E. RESTIVO

Age 59, of Boynton Beach, died Wednesday morning July 2, 1997. He had been a resident here for the past ten years coming from New York City.

Mr. Restivo had served 24 years with the New York Police Department, receiving 35 citations for bravery in the line of duty. He most recently served 8 years with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Department, and was a member of the Honor Legion, Detective Endowment Association. Holy Name Society, Fraternal Order of Police. Police Benevolent Association, 10-13 Club, Colombian Association, Emerald Society, and was featured on an episode of T.V.'s "Top Cops".

James is survived by his wife Sheila, son James E. Restivo, II. daughters Laura Younghese & Patricia Uhland, step-sons Neil, Richard & Alex Gross, mother Veronica Restivo and a brother Timothy Restivo.

A Wake Service will he held 7:00 PM Sunday at BOYNTON MEMORIAL CHAPEL 800 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday July 7, 1997, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, with entombment to follow in Boynton Beach Mausoleum.

Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8 PM Sunday.

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