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HARLAN HURWITZ Obituary

HURWITZ--Dr. Harlan Arthur, died on November 11, 2020. Born in New York, Harlan attended Friends Seminary, received a BA and MA in Physics from Brown University, an MA in Astrophysics from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics from Wesleyan University. Harlan was the beloved husband of Susan for almost 45 years, devoted father of Leigh, Annie (Peter), the late Emma Hurwitz, and honorary daughter Melissa Nazzaro, loving grandfather of Graham, and proud human companion to the late Dame Edith Sitwell, PhD (Physics Dog). In addition to the intellectual rigor of his career in dosimetry and software for cash handling systems, Harlan's interests were wide-ranging and passionately-held: from cars (Alfa Romeos), pens (Lamy and Caran d'Ache), languages (Hebrew, German, Russian) to far-flung travel, sci-fi novels and films. His wit was as legendary as the depth of his generosity and the love he extended to anyone he knew. More than anything, Harlan's life was a network of deep, personal relationships and stories that grew with him all his life. Countless are the people he touched with his humor, his intelligence, and his kindness. He was a wonderful, eccentric man and we will miss him. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Brown University's Department of Physics.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Nov. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for HARLAN HURWITZ

18 Entries

Michael Terentev

February 8, 2025

Harlan was my true friend when we worked together at Navisys, Inc. He was my mentor and a true friend. I love him forever and ever. He is in a better place right now. God is with him. I'll miss him in this world, but sooner or later we will be together again. Good journey into the unknown, my good friend.

Marilyn Ingraffea Collins

June 15, 2021

I worked with Harlan at American Can Co many years ago. I am so sorry to hear that he has passed. My condolences to you, Susan, and your family.

Steve Cohen

December 19, 2020

The world is a dimmer place without Harlan. He was truly a special man, and made a huge impact on my life, both personal and professional. May his memory be a blessing.

Eric Marmolejo

December 1, 2020

I am blessed and honored to know Harlan as a colleague and friend. Those wonderful discussions ranging from the essence of life to quantum physics. I was also surprised to discover his love and understanding of law. I am certain that Harlan left an indelible memory in everyone he touched with his friendship. He will be greatly missed but to his loved ones I offer solace with a fundamental Native American belief: “!you never lose a loved one, you are blessed to gain a spirit that will guide you for the rest of your lives”. Harlan, may your journey home be as wonderful as your journey on earth.

Kathy and Dave

November 22, 2020

Our deepest love and sympathy to Susan, Leigh, Annie and Melissa, plus the rest of Harlan’s family. It still doesn’t seem real to us that we will never have any more humorous and wide-ranging conversations with him. Discussions with him were never boring! He will be missed!

Robert Gunter

November 19, 2020

Always a joy to be around. He will be missed. Too bad the Panasonic meeting had to end, and with it my opportunity to hang out with Harlan and Susan.

Brooke Pearson

November 18, 2020

Susan, Annie & Leigh,

I can only imagine how much it hurts to lose Harlan. He made an indelible mark on this Earth and I'm lucky to have known him. I'm so thankful to Susan & Harlan for bringing Annie into the world and raising such a thoughtful, special daughter who is such a good friend to me. Throughout this pain and grief, please know that I love you so much. Looking forward to the day when we can hug each other without a pandemic threat.

Best wishes,
Brooke

Steve Nellissen

November 18, 2020

Susan,
So sorry for your loss.

While I did not Harlan intimately, I do remember a very enjoyable ride or two back to New Jersey over the years with you and Harlan.
Condolences,

With Love,

Steve Nellissen

Emily Rizzo

November 18, 2020

My condolences to the family in this difficult time including sister-in-law Kathie. I knew Harlan back in high school at Friends Seminary where his wit and charm kept us all amused (okay, so it was doing the Mouse as a Soupy Sales fan) as well as his brains, which made us all jealous. I am so sorry I only had a couple of class reunions to see him as an adult.

Lisa Howard

November 17, 2020

I'm so sorry to learn this news. I extend my deepest condolences to Harlan's family. Harlan was simply a great all around guy. Incredible intelligence with a human touch. I had the pleasure of working with him with the ATS group, Talaris and finally Glory.

Linda

November 16, 2020

I knew Harlan through his Dosimetry software. I will never forget our conversations shared during a good meal or an adult beverage. He truly was one of a kind. My condolences to his family.

Simone Taylor

November 15, 2020

Please except my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time of grieving. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Susan Graham

Planted Trees

Jan Hill

Planted Trees

Kalsang Tanzin

Planted Trees

Kalsang Wangmo Tanzin

November 15, 2020

Harlan leaves behind some of the smartest and most generous women I know. I am keeping Annie, Susan, and Leigh in my heart. With them, I will also store so many memories of Harlan, from the long chats in Thirsty Mind to him consoling me during my sister's diagnosis to his smile on Annie's wedding day. I always felt that Harlan wanted all of us to live life on our terms. One day, when I am in a new city, eating a new dish, I will toast to the big-hearted, sharp-witted, always in a tweed jacket, Harlan Hurwitz.