Richard A. Horvitz
04/08/2025
Richard Andrew Horvitz, 80, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Richard was born in Newton, MA on November 17, 1944, the son of Harold and Beatrice (Gerstein) Horvitz. Richard grew up in the Boston area and graduated from Harvard College in 1966. He earned a Master's degree in biochemistry in 1968, followed by a Degree of Medicine in 1972, both from the University of Washington.
Richard met Anne Accardo, his wife of over 45 years, while completing a residency program in New Haven, CT. Coincidentally, Anne may have set eyes on her future husband over a decade earlier; Richard was a clarinetist in the Harvard University Band that she enjoyed watching as a Harvard graduate student at the time. They married in 1977, after Richard answered a "blind box" ad for a job in a "desirable Midwestern city" that would take them to Grand Rapids. There, Richard worked as a clinical pathologist for 39 years at Spectrum Health (previously Butterworth Hospital) until his retirement in 2016. In 2017, Richard was honored with the Distinguished Physician Society Award, which recognizes physicians who have made extraordinary contributions to Spectrum Health and its patients and families.
Richard and Anne cherished the companionship of many beloved pets. They enjoyed showing their Samoyed dogs and traveling to events all over the country, even succeeding in getting some of their dogs into Westminster shows. Richard liked to recount how he narrowly avoided making his own debut at Madison Square Garden at one such event. Anne planned to show their Samoyed, but their group was called to the floor just after she stepped out for water. To Richard's relief, Anne returned just as officials ordered him to put on an armband and line up! Richard and Anne also took pleasure in traveling internationally and sharing accounts of their adventures.
Richard spent the last years of his retirement enjoying the company of friends and family, continuing to travel, reading, and attending emeritus education programs. For many years he ran 10K and 5K races, and he still enjoyed swimming at the YMCA and running on neighborhood streets. Richard was active with the Mensa Society and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club. He recently moved to the Clark Community and looked forward to meeting his fellow residents.
Richard was predeceased in death by his wife, Anne; his parents; and his brother, David Horvitz. He is survived by his older brother, John Horvitz of New York, NY (wife Sandra); first cousins Alan Gerstein and Nancy Gerstein Cooper; sisters-in-law Theresa (Accardo) Sloane and Arlene (Accardo) LaMere; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Richard will be laid to rest with Anne at St. Peter's Cemetery in Torrington, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

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Published by Register Citizen on May 23, 2025.

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6 Entries

Vern Herring

June 21, 2025

I was totally shocked to hear about his passing, he seemed so healthy and kept in shape with his running and swimming.
Before Ann passed my partner and I had several dinners together and then more recently with just Richard.
We miss him. Sincerely, Vern H. And Gene F.

Judy King

May 21, 2025

To Alan and Nancy Gerstein Cooper,
Judy King here .I met you several times with dinner and visits for years with Anne and Richard. when you visited Michigan and Spyglass. I send my heartfelt condolences to you and the family. I considered Anne and Richard good friends and was so shocked and sad to hear of Richard's sudden passing.We had good conversations last summer and Richard was looking forward to his travels. I'd like to get in touch with you but am not sure how to do that. I also enjoyed many conversations with you both as well. Please let me know if there is a way I can get in contact with you.
Most sincerely with sadness.

Susan M Smith

May 20, 2025

I worked with Dr Horvitz and so appreciated his incredible knowledge and expertise in running the laboratory. He brought some fun to teaching the interns when we had the medical technology classes at Butterworth with special songs and stories to keep dry chemistry somewhat interesting. He was also very involved in guarding our IT room from gremlins by hanging garlic ropes at the door way. My sympathies to his family, we have many fond memories of Dr Horvitz. Susan Mammina Smith

Dave Alter

May 20, 2025

I spent 16 years working with Dr. Horvitz and even though we occasionally disagreed; we still got along really well professionally. I want to thank the obituary writers for mentioning the distinguished physician award; it really meant a lot to him. May his memory be a blessing.

Amanda K Stressman

May 20, 2025

I knew Dr. Horvitz for many years while working at Butteworth Hospital - the ER and Laboratory were located next to one another. I would have opportunity to chat a bit with him in the hallway. He was a brilliant man and clinician. I was amazed at all he had done in his life through his most interesting and impressive obituary. So much I knew not of the man. He certainly did have a fulfilling life with his wife Anne. They are now together again to carry on their many interests and traditions.

Joanie Willett

May 19, 2025

Dr Horvitz was his own person. Worked with him for many years. Admired his intelligence and his personality

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