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Bert Gurwitch Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Bert Larry Gurwitch, born Mother's Day 1940, passed away at home on Thursday, April 16, 2015. He was the younger son of the late, Joe Gurwitch and Bernyce Abrams Gurwitch. Bert Larry was born in Mobile, Alabama and was adored by his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many friends. Bert attended Murphy High School in Mobile and later matriculated at the University of Alabama, where he honed his lifelong love for The Crimson Tide. He began dating Janet "Cookie" Schwab while at Alabama and they married in 1965. This July would have been their 50th wedding anniversary. Bert was adored by his two daughters, Ruth Gail, currently of Los Angeles, and Susan Adele (Dr. P. Geoff Rutledge), of Glen Carbon, Illinois. His granddaughters, Cooper Elizabeth and Josephine Maya loved their "Grandfather", and enjoyed playing cards with him and visiting with him in Glen Carbon, Orlando, and Nashville.
Bert is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sondra Gurwitch and her two daughters, Robin Gurwitch and Marci Ballin. His brother, Dr. William Gurwitch, predeceased him, as did his niece, Brandi Gurwitch. Additionally, he is survived by lifelong friends Jay C. Bear and Elaine Skibell (nee Cohn) and will be missed by his daily joke email group, consisting of people from his childhood and his working career. Bert will be forever remembered for his affability, his easy smile, and his love of a good (or bad) joke. May his laughter bring us comfort.
Family and friends will meet 11:00 a.m., Sunday, April 19, 2015 at New Jewish Cemetery for a graveside service, with Rabbi Alon C. Ferency officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Heska Amuna Synagogue (3811 Kingston Pike, Knoxville 37919 www.heskaamuna.org) or The YWCA of Knoxville, 420 Clinch Ave, Knoxville 37902 www.ywcaknox.com.) in Bert's name. "If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password: Roll Tide Roll." Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bert Gurwitch
Bruni Dopatka
April 26, 2015
I am thinking of you in this time of sadness. I am very sorry for your loss.
Peggy Saron-Clarke
April 24, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts
Joe Ramsey
April 21, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.
Karen Kun
April 21, 2015
Bert was always a joy to be around. My deepest condolences to all those who loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your fondest memories bring you comfort.
Joe Kun
April 21, 2015
Enjoyed working with Bert at RG in Omaha
Rose Simpson
April 21, 2015
Janet, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
April 21, 2015
Cookie, I am very sorry for your loss of Bert. I hope you will always remember the good and wonderful years you spent together.
with Love,
Morty Banks- Huntsville, al.
April 21, 2015
Janet,
I am shocked by your sad news. Know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Love you. Doris Roberts
Terry Woods
April 21, 2015
Janet, this has been a tremendous loss, and you will be in my thoughts over the coming weeks and months as you accept comfort from your family and legions of friends. I hope you allow them to sustain you while you recover access to the well of strength within you that you have so often used to comfort others.
April 20, 2015
ICookie, I am, oh so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious husband Bert. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
Judi Rosenberg (West Palm Beach, Fl.)
Susan Silber
April 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May Bert's memory be for a blessing.
April 20, 2015
Dear Cookie, After all these years, that is the same smile and eyes that I remember. God bless you. Joni and Mike May
Mary Henderson
April 20, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Love and condolences to you and the girls.
Lori Nelson
April 20, 2015
I am so sorry. Love to the family.
Tammie Bernstein
April 20, 2015
I hold your family in my thoughts and prayers. Much love.
Tasha Blakney
April 19, 2015
Janet, I am so very sorry for the loss to you and your family. We're thinking of and praying for you.
Tracy
April 18, 2015
Many thoughts and prayers for you and your family tonight and the up coming months. I am certain he leaves a spot no one else can fill. My peace find you. Much Love and Respect.
Laura Cox
April 18, 2015
Oh dear Janet and family, I am so sorry to learn of Bert's passing. I have truly enjoyed knowing him and we will miss him so much. Sincerely, Laura Cox and staff
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