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Melvin Horwitz Obituary
Left behind are his wife, Dorothy, of Manchester; his four children, Abbie Salt, of Miami Shores, Florida, Laurie Bayer (husband Aaron), of Glastonbury, Wendy Horwitz , of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Aaron Horwitz (wife Jenn), of Fall City, Washington; his seven grandchildren, John, Rose, Philip, Abraham, Noah, Anne, and Jackson; and his brother, Bert Horwitz (wife Felice), of New York City.
He was an accomplished pianist, violinist, and drummer. Although he couldn't carry a tune, he was an opera buff and frequently emulated Pavarotti. As a teenager, high-diving with the pros at Jones Beach in Brooklyn filled his summers. Blue-fishing on Long Island Sound or catching flounder in Cape Cod Bay, he was always willing to bait all our hooks. Skiing the mountains of Vermont, he would initiate each day by tying all six sets of ski-boot laces. He loved playing tennis and hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Melvin Horwitz was a physician, a Korean War MASH surgeon, and an attorney and member of the Connecticut and Massachusetts bar. As an undergraduate, he attended Columbia University, and went on to receive his M.D. from Harvard Medical School. Rumor has it that he was the oldest Yale Law School graduate at the age of 60. From 1956 until 1983, he was a surgeon at Manchester Memorial Hospital. His compassion as a physician is still remembered by his patients and colleagues. Upon receiving his law degree, he worked in the field of public health law and policy.
The world was a better place with Melvin in it. All who knew him will miss him dearly.
Suggested contributions to Manchester Memorial Hospital and Beth Sholom B'nai Israel Synagogue.
The funeral service will be held at Beth Sholom B'nai Israel, 400 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester, on Tuesday, March 8, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Memorial Park, Autumn Street, Manchester.
Shiva and visiting hours will be observed at the Horwitz residence during the day Wednesday, March 9, Thursday, March 10, and Friday, March 11. Evening services will be conducted there at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, Wednesday, March 9, Thursday, March 10, and Sunday, March 13.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Horwitz
Dr. Arthur E. LaMontagne Jr.
March 1, 2024
A true gentleman and a scholar.
Helen Nix Soon to be 90.. Yikes!
March 1, 2023
I am still quoting Mey... when someone asks how I am,I say, " I'm self-propelled and upright" There is none like Mel. Fond memories at Fisher beach Cape Cod, hugs Helen Nix
Helen Nix
March 1, 2021
I knew Mel in several venues. First he was a dear friend. Second he was our director of the Nutmeg Institutional Review Board. Third he was my surgeon for an abdominal infect ion I had. He was a great "party guy" ... wore dredlocks at a dress-up party we had. "Upright and self-propelled" . My loving memories to Dorothy ; But wasn't the world, family and friends so fortunate to have had him in it for so long. hugs dear Mel
Helen Nix
March 1, 2020
Dear Family, Mel was my surgeon, my boss at the Nutmeg Institutional Review Board, our host at Cape cod, but most important, he was my friend. With Dorothy and my husband Harold ,we partied and had such fun with dress-ups, Night of Murder plays, New years, Eve, where we all sang Oh Canada. Such precious memories of great enrichment to my life and my husband's. I am still quoting Mel (with permission) "I'm upright and self-propelled"! What a special person he is to so many. Thank you to Dorothy and family to give me a moment to reminisce . Helen
Helen Nix
March 1, 2019
Dear Dorothy, I hold Mel as one of my dear friends and mentor with the Nutmeg Institutional Review board. He was a true professional. all my love to you both. Helen
Arthur LaMontagne
March 23, 2016
Dorothy;
I was away and only recently learned of Mel's passing. I was privileged to have known him as a colleague and humbled to have had him as a patient. I trust he has found peace.
Art
Johanna Young
March 13, 2016
I remember Dorothy and Mel attending any number of Bolton parties at our house or the Graham's back in the day. Those were always times of great laughter and many stories. He will be missed.
Peace, Johanna
Bud Hoffmann
March 8, 2016
Dear Dorothy, four years after moving away from our little corner of Ludlow Road, Beth and I still think about you often and we often tell people about our friendship with the two of you. We mostly tell them about how interesting, witty, warm and accomplished you both were. Mel was a fascinating man and he was always wonderful company. We pray that God will comfort you and your family in your time of loss.
Charles Plese
March 8, 2016
Dorothy, please accept Susan's and my condolences for your loss. Mel was a great guy and though through the years we did not see each other, still we have vivid memories of him. I don't know if you knew this but the last surgery he performed was on me before he went to law school.
Again, our hearts go out to you on your loss.
Chuck and Susan Plese
Joe Spencer
March 8, 2016
It was a true honor to have crossed paths with Melvin as I got to know him over the last 10 or so years. I always looked forward to hear what words would flow out of him, with such wit and multi-meaning if you will. My most sincere and heartfelt warmth go to each and every one in the Horwitz family. Peace be with you Melvin. You will always be remembered, admired and alive in our hearts.
Marguerite O'Brien-Jeannot
March 7, 2016
Dear Family of Doctor Horwitz,
I am the oldest of the O'Brien family who formally lived on Oakland St. I believe my mother Ann O'Brien was your father's patient for many years and delivered by Ceseran Section many of my brother and sister's as she had 5 cesearan sections. My mother Ann O'Brien passed away in Sept. 2012 she was 80 years old. I think I remember vividly waiting for my mother in Dr. Horwitz waiting room.I was from class 1972 I think a Horwitz was in my class. God bless your family and God Bless Dr. Horwitz.
Pat Murphy-Hoy
March 7, 2016
Dr. Horwitz was the physician who met the ambulance as I was brought to MMH the end of January, 1957. I had been hit by a run away car at the bottom of Park St. walking home from St. James School. I had very serious, life threatening, and unique injuries. It was just before my 10th birthday....this man not only saved my life...he gave me a life, a life I will always be grateful for! Thank-you Dr. Horwitz and may you Rest In Peace ♡♡♡
Like Reply 4 2 mins Edited
Roger Hoy
Roger Hoy My life would not be complete without you, so yes, thank you Dr. Horwitz for all you did.
Unlike Reply 1 45 mins Edited
Pat Murphy Hoy
Pat Murphy Hoy I have been sitting here, reflecting....I moved to Seattle in 1972 and was out of the "greater" Manchester loop until recently. I wish I had known more about this man as I became an adult........what an accomplished human being! My warmest wishes to his family.....
Roberta (Ryan) Williams
March 7, 2016
My sincerest condolences to all the Horwitz family. I spent some happy times playing at your house on Hilltop Drive. I wish you peace and strength now, and always.
March 7, 2016
I would like to express my condolences to your family. Please be assured that God will comfort you during your hour of mourning. (Matthew 5:4)
March 7, 2016
What a wonderful contribution Mel made to Hal and myself as a dear friend. He also enriched our so needy world. He was my friend, my surgeon, and director of the Nutmeg Institutional Review board. It is with deep respect and gratitude that I send thank you to him, Dorothy and all the Horwitz's families. Hal would second my feelings. New Year's Eve will never be the same.
Gentle hugs dear Dorothy
Helen Nix
Karen J. Ostby
March 7, 2016
My condolences go to Mrs.Horwitz and all family members. My father was one of Dr.Horwitz's many patients at Manchester Memorial in the early 1970s. He kindly explained to my mother and father the severity of his circulation problem and the need to amputate his right leg above his knee. He did all that he could do at that time to save the leg but made a difficult decision easier to bear.
We never forgot him and were so pleased to read a Hartford Courant article about him as a MASH doctor in Korea many years later. Dr.Horwitz was a fine doctor and a remarkable man.
Judith Grimaldi
March 7, 2016
Mrs Horwitz and family I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Horwitz passing. It was such a joy to see you both when you came to the office. Truly felt like you were family!!! Much love
Judy Grimaldi
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