Maurice Horowitz

Family-Placed Death Notice

HOROWITZ, Maurice MAURICE K. HOROWITZ, FROZEN FOOD PIONEER AND HONORARY CONSUL GENERAL OF ICELAND FOR 42 YEARS Maurice K. Horowitz, 90, died May 19 from complications of old age. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; respected frozen food expert; international diplomat; and a gentleman. After World War II, he co-owned a restaurant in Roanoke, VA and sold coffee in Georgia before joining Libby's as Regional Manager of Frozen Foods. He founded M. K. Horowitz Company in 1953, a frozen food brokerage, selling to Southeastern supermarkets and restaurants. During the next 35 years, he built one of Atlanta's most respected frozen food brokerages with more than a dozen employees representing brands such as Libby's, Stouffers, Welch's, Mrs. Smith Pies, and Icelandic Fish. An award-winning salesman beloved by customers and suppliers, Horowitz was a top American broker for Coldwater Seafood's Icelandic Fish. In 1962, the company invited him to visit Iceland. Four years later, Iceland's government named him its first Atlanta Honorary Counsul for the Southeast. His exemplary service led to a promotion in 1986 to Honorary Consul General and in 1987, the Icelandic President bestowed on him one of that country's highest honors--Knighthood in the Order of the Falcon. "My father did everything with 100 percent commitment and integrity," said his son, Robert (Bobby) Horowitz, San Diego. "Whether he was preparing a presentation about Iceland, demonstrating a new product to a customer, or serving on the Synagogue board, he gave totally of himself and never retired from work." A former President of the Atlanta Food Brokers Association, Horowitz also served as Regional Director of the National Food Brokers Association and was National Chairman of its Frozen Food Committee. He was appointed to the advisory board of the National Frozen Food Association and served on the advisory board of Coldwater Seafood Company for many years. In 1968, the Frozen Food Council of Georgia named him Mr. Frozen Food of Georgia, for his "pioneer work in frozen food merchandising and excellence in service to the community." After selling his business in 1988, Horowitz and his son ran East Coat Sales Company, importing frozen fish and other products to sell to Atlanta area restaurants. A native of South Bend, Ind., he was the youngest of three children born to Benzion and Clara Horowitz. He worked in the family grocery, won tennis championships in high school, and attended Notre Dame University for a year before moving to Georgia. In 1942, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Georgia, where he met his future bride, Ida Erbesfield. When a 4F classification prevented him from fighting in WWII, the couple joined the civilian war effort. They spent a year in Alabama manufacturing munitions until the U.S. Navy Department sent them to Pearl Harbor where he worked in the Captain of the Yard's office for two years. Horowitz was a member of Ahavath Achim Synagogue and Fulton Masonic Lodge 216 for 55 years. He also was a Shriner and a member of Scottish Rite. In the 1980's, he delivered Meals on Wheels until he no longer could drive. In addition to the wife of 66 years and son and his wife, Rebecca, survivors include daughter, Jane Horowitz Bick, Atlanta; granddaughter, Natalie Rose Webb and husband, Scott, Sharpsburg, GA; and great-granddaughters, Caroline and Jenna Webb--the delights of his later years. He also leaves nieces and nephews in Atlanta, Denver, Las Vegas, and New York. Sign on-line Guest Book at www.edressler.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice. Funeral Services are TODAY at 2 p.m., May 20, Ellman Chapel at Ahavath Achim Synagogue with graveside for family at Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.