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Martin Horowitz Obituary

MARTIN MARTY CARY HOROWITZ Martin "Marty" Cary Horowitz, 70, of Santa Fe, NM, succumbed to life in the fast lane on Thursday, July 2, 2020. He was in his home surrounded by friends, family, artwork and cowboy movies when he decided to get on his Harley and ride into the sunset. Marty was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 9, 1949 to Adolph and Rose Horowitz and grew up in Oceanside, Long Island. He had a boat that sunk all the time and lived in a tree. His mother used to say the girls would be coming in like hot and cold running water. He would skip school and go to the pool hall, deal fireworks, and smoke cigarettes. His mother, Rose, owned a dance studio, where Marty learned to dance at a young age. He danced in the Catskills just like Dirty Dancing, but before it was a thing. Marty graduated from the School of Visual Arts in NY, NY in 1969. He began his career in frame making in New York City, first with Kulicke and Frames Unlimited, and later in partnership with Henry Rothman, as Rothman and Horowitz, in 1981. He moved to Santa Fe, NM in 1988 where he built his golden empire, Goldleaf Framemakers, in partnership with Lou Tilmont. Marty was devoted to his art, and was an integral part of the art community as both an artist and frame maker. His artwork has been featured in many galleries and museums across the country. Marty created a unique style of manufacturing hand-carved period picture frames that brought this ancient art into a modern manufacturing model. This brought him acclaim in the art world as one of the youngest, and one of the only to have this approach to the art of frame making. He was a master gilder. He wrote "An Introduction to Water Gilding," which is the book on gilding. Literally. His deep knowledge of gold leaf and water gilding innovated a new style of artwork; instead of as an accent, he saw the power of gold to transform an object into a new iteration of itself. He inspired many people to create and would often invite them into his world in ongoing collaboration. He was a beloved father, an insatiable flirt, and an exciting dancer. He would sing at every meal. He would swear loudly and lived largely. The expression "larger than life" was created to describe Marty. He was Super Jew. To say he will be missed is an understatement. He is preceded in death by his parents, Al and Rose Horowitz. He is survived by his sister Lynn Ofgang (Bob), his sons Matthew (Hayley), David (Lenore Gusch), and daughter Carrie, their mother Peggy Joy, his grandson Camilo Candelaria, his cousins and nephews. He also leaves behind many, many people he made to feel like family. Services will be held virtually through Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations on Friday, July 10 at 4:30 for happy hour. We invite you to attend this video service by visiting this link: www.viewlogies.net/rivera/HRMcc64v5 Password: martin (marty) During this virtual service, please celebrate him in a way that is meaningful to you. Rivera Family Funerals and Cremations 417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Phone: (505) 989-7032 riverafamilyfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Jul. 7 to Jul. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Horowitz

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Deborah Hill

July 1, 2025

I think of Marty often when selling gold frames!

Deborah Hill

July 1, 2024

Remember a dear friend and mentor, Marty!
He always made you feel special and would share his knowledge with you. I miss him.

Bill Shepherd

July 1, 2023

Marty. Many people get through life with out ever meeting a true character, I feel blessed to have known Marty. If you never met him, more is the pity because he brought such humor and understanding to any event no matter how dire. You can judge people by their children and Marty has three great ones that are also a joy to see. I miss you my friend!

Judy

July 1, 2023

When I saw this today I was happy to immerse myself into Marty and his life again. He certainly was unique and I can't stand that I'll never see him again. I loved when he'd say he loved me madly. I think about him often. Cousin Juju

Ron Blessey

July 1, 2023

To say I miss my brother from another mother would be an understatement. I hold Marty's memory close in my heart and know he is in a place where he is looking down on his kids with great pride. Godspeed Marty my friend.

Deborah Hill

July 1, 2022

You are missed and thought of often! You would be so very proud of your boys as they carrying on your lifetime of work, and they continue their life's work. The Horowitz Legacy!

Bill Shepherd

July 1, 2022

Sure do miss your stories and humor. A great guy and a true friend.

Christopher Stoy

July 1, 2021

As this year passed I still think about my wonderful friend...you will always be sorely missed, Marty. Your family proudly carries on your legacy.

Love,
Christopher

Barry Tingleff

August 18, 2020

Marty, Marty, Marty, I'm proud to say you were my friend. I just found out today of your passing. It makes me sad to hear the news through the framing world friends I miss since retiring. I miss the sales trips to Santa Fe because it always ment happy hour at Goldleaf (Kettle One) & dinner after. Wow, we had some good conversations & you showed me the side of Santa Fe most never see. Thank you, your a special man.
Love you my brother.

Adela Davis

July 20, 2020

What an inspiration to the world of gilding! I took my first classes with Marty and I continue to practice every chance I get. My deepest condolences especially to his children and also to all his friends. I wished I knew what a dancer he was, darn, I missed my chance! Marty, may you be resting in peace.

Jeff Voner

July 20, 2020

Marty has been part of the Gilding World for a long time - he gifted many of us with his wit and talents. Marty you are part of history...
Jeff Voner of Berkshire Gilders

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Lynette Kennard

Planted Trees

Robert and Elizabeth Pettus

July 11, 2020

Marty was bigger than life. Talented, enthusiastic and above all fun.
He will be missed but fortunately he is survived by his wonderful family., Robert and Elizabeth Pettus

Bill Shepherd

July 11, 2020

Marty is one of those people that you can't believe is gone, probably because he was soooo much larger than life ... and as long as memory persists, he will always be at least that mega-presence, if not more. Great with people, clever in business and a thoughtful, dependable friend who was ALWAYS willing to help and determined to make things work for his clients but especially for his friends. I'm pretty sure Marty and I were good friends, and if we weren't then I'll take more enemies like him. A lightening quick wit, a raconteur with great stories, and man, he knew how to tell them. I will always cherish my memories of Marty and I wish him a smooth and amusing journey into the mystic.

Jarrod Carrillo

July 11, 2020

It was an honor to work under such brilliance, not to mention, it was a blast. Ill miss him and have him in my memories for the rest of my life. Thank you for all you did Marty, you were a blessing to this crazy world. -Jarrod Carrillo

Dolores

July 10, 2020

I will miss you my friend...xoxo

Dr. Donny Shapiro

July 10, 2020

Marty, Im sure You know what Id say, and how I feel. We had our own unique relationship, from such a close understanding & interpretation & meaning of life leading to a truly passionate and loving of how we lived and guided our lives.
So, I dont know where or if there is another place our concdolencevgoes, so you know how much Ill miss and never forget, only Im sure so many things here will always bring you to thought
Love you and will miss your unique talents and perspective of life and the way you always lived your life the way you believed In
Dr Donny

Michael Bergt

July 10, 2020

So many stories and memories around Marty. I first met Marty in 1989 when he was in his first shop on 5th Ave. I saw his sign, and wasn't sure it was "Real Gold" or just fake gold frames. In five minutes, I realized I met a gold leaf master. I was a beginner in gold leafing, something I used with my painting. Marty was very generous, sharing many "tips" that he learned over the years. The thing I remember from one of our first conversations when I kept asking him about leafing. "Listen, you can't learn to leaf from any book, there's an unwritten rule to always leave out one step so that no one can really make it work..." Then Marty would proceed to tell me how to really do water gilding...RIP Marty.

Pam Rittmeyer

July 10, 2020

A great man. One of a kind, for sure. My best friend every Tuesday and Friday for 27 years. It's way too quiet at work without you, my friend. "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today". You were loved, and you will be missed.

Catherine Eaton Skinner

July 10, 2020

Marty and I met when we were represented at Peyton Wright Gallery 20 or so years ago. I was in and out for framing and best of all chats in the back room for years. This past year we had much more time together with the two exhibitions last summer in Goldleaf Gallery. Marty will always hold a special place in my soul. It has been such a pleasure getting to know David and Carrie through this last year also. My heart is with you all.

Ron Blessey

July 10, 2020

I really miss my boychick already. There is a giant hole in my heart right now. He was the genuine article. He and I had many adventures together. Take it slow and don't be hockin' God, wait until i get there. I will keep an eye on Davey for you.

Rest in piece Booby.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Ron Blessey

Sent Flowers

Ed Risley

July 10, 2020

Marty was a larger than life, one of a kind client and friend. His enthusiasm for life, sense of humor and un-daunting optimism made every visit a pleasure. His son's were good friends of my son and he made Devin feel like family. He will be greatly missed.

Linda and Lawrence Matthews

July 10, 2020

Marty was the greatest, coolest, hippest framemaker in the world. We loved him and will miss him dearly!

Rolf Gruller

July 10, 2020

The last thing Marty ever wanted was sympathy. Yes, I am sad that he has passed, but he will live on in my heart and in all the incredible memories that he brought into my life. I was a custom picture framer (now retired) for 40 years and knew Marty for 30 of them. The first time I spoke with him on the phone, his raspy voice interspersed with continuous drags on a cigarette made me think that he was a much older man than I. We are the same age, but he had obviously lived a harder and more interesting life than I. I sensed right on that he was one of the most interesting and creative people that I had ever met. He was getting Goldleaf Framemakers started and I was a logical client because I was trying to make my business stand out in Scottsdale as the local gold leaf frame experts. When we actually first met, he made me feel like a life-long friend and for the next 30 years we were that. He became part of my personal and business life. I often marveled at his chutspah with life and especially with women. He was fearless.
I think that he single-handedly saved the high end picture framing business by making those wonderful frames and teaching so many others how to gild. He was always scheming to make his business, his artwork, and his childrens lives better. He was one of the most generous people I have ever met. Generous with his time, his thoughts, his drive, some really cockamamie plans, and some brilliant ones too, yet he was always willing to help me and so many others when we needed coaching or advice. I have had too many fond memories to list, too many crazy dinners and parties with Marty, too much Ketel One and far too many trade shows. Thankfully
We will all miss Marty, even more as time goes on, yet I will never forget him.
I feel blessed to have known him.
Happy Trails my friend, until we meet again.

Deborah Hill

July 10, 2020

Marty Horowitz! a Master of gilding, a Master flirt and a Master at sharing his knowledge. He introduced me to the world of gold! Which change my view of framing. He has been an inspirational, motivating and knowledge force within our framing industry. As a man, he was always willing to help, laugh, and teach. An encyclopedia of knowledge!
So at the edge of the day as the sunsets and the sky turns a bit golder, we will know he's gilding martini's in Heaven!

Judy Dresner

July 10, 2020

MY COUSIN MARTY WAS A UNIQUE HUMAN BEING. HE WAS INCREDIBLY TALENTED. HE GREW UP IN NEW YORK AND WAS ONE OF THOSE TRULY FABULOUS New York CHARACTERS. WHEN HE WAS ABOUT 18, HE CAME TO STAY WITH ME IN GREENWICH VILLAGE FOR A FEW WEEKS WHEN HE TOOK A COURSE AT THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS. I REMEMBER US GOING DOWN TO WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK AND MARTY DID THE MOONWALK FOR ME AND IT WAS MANY YEARS BEFORE MICHAEL JACKSON. WE ALWAYS HAD A SPECIAL CONNECTION. I'M SO HAPPY THAT I VISITED HIM IN SANTA FE A FEW YEARS AGO. I SAW THE GORGEOUS HOUSE HE DESIGNED AND BUILT HIMSELF AND WAS BLOWN AWAY. ALL OF HIS FANTASTIC ARTWORK WAS HANGING ON THE WALLS AS WELL AS PAINTINGS FROM OTHER ARTISTS. I SAW HIS FRAME SHOP AND REALLY BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND HOW UNIQUE HIS WORK WAS. HE MADE FRAMES FROM EVERY PERIOD OF TIME. HE ONCE TOLD ME HE WAS GOING TO PARIS TO TEACH THEM GILDING WHICH WAS IRONIC BECAUSE IT STARTED THERE BUT NO ONE KNEW HOW TO DO IT. I GOT TO KNOW HIS CHILDREN DAVID AND MATT. I FELL IN LOVE WITH Santa Fe AND WITH MARTY ALL OVER AGAIN. HE TOLD ME I REMINDED HIM OF HIS MOTHER WHO HAD PASSED NOT TOO LONG AGO AND HE SAID I WAS NOW THE MATRIARCH OF THE FAMILY. I THOUGHT WE COULD COME UP WITH A BETTER WORD THAN THAT. THEN HE CAME TO New York TO SHOW HIS MOST AMAZING GILDED SCULPTURES. DAVID AND HIS GIRLFRIEND STAYED HERE WITH ME AND IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE HIM, HIS FAMILY AND HIS SHOW. I FINALLY MET HIS BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER CARRIE. WE STAYED IN TOUCH MORE REGULARLY THAN BEFORE. HE CALLED ME WHEN HE WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED BUT THEN, AND AFTER THAT, HE KEPT TELLING ME HOW GREAT HE WAS DOING. I BELIEVED HIM. BUT LAST WEEK FOUND OUT THAT WAS NEVER TRUE AND HE WAS GOING DOWNHILL FROM DAY ONE. THAT WAS MARTY..NEVER WANTING TO BE A DOWNER. I WILL MISS HIM TERRIBLY AND CAN'T STAND THE THOUGHT THAT HE'S NOT ON THIS EARTH ANY MORE. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR COUSIN.
LOVE, COUSIN JUJU

Larry Neuberg

July 10, 2020

Marty, a most extraordinary man who was always kind and generous with his time and his knowledge, always wanting the best for those he touched and for those who were around him.
To give is to live we would always say before we hung up the phone.
Be safe and keep having fun!
Your good friend,
Larry Neuberg

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Dianna Gwyn

Planted Trees

Christopher Stoy

July 10, 2020

My dear Marty....larger than life and a legend. You will be cherished and remembered by so many that were blessed by your friendship. David and Matthew will proudly carry on your legacy. You and Zaplin enriched my life in so many ways.

Christopher Stoy

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Christopher Stoy

Planted Trees

Paul & Jill Choma

July 10, 2020

Marty's smile was infectious. Some of our best work was touched by Marty. He was kind, showed us incredible hospitality on our visit to Santa Fe. Whenever we pick up a Goldleaf frame we will always think of you! Thanks for your friendship and mentorship!
Paul & Jill
Gilded Moon Framing

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Jill Choma

Planted Trees

The White Rose Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Peter Sepp

July 10, 2020

There will never be another Marty. One of a kind. An Icon in the gilding world. More than a friend and business associate. So many wonderful memories and great times together. We will all miss his charm, friendship and his golden heart.

Peter Sepp

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kristen Barrett

Planted Trees

Elida Scola

July 9, 2020

I have never met anyone with such charm and willingness to flaunt foibles. He was a handsome devil who made women feel special. I loved his generous advice, loving friendship and unpretentiousness. His laughter in the face of lifes trials, hard work, humor and Kettle One at 4:00 were all part of the package. I miss him.

Sam Scott

July 9, 2020

Dear Marty, thank you so much for all the good times and laughs that we had together; thank you so much for your spirit that was so generous and
giving; indomitable, and always brave.
Marty, we will always miss you so much.
Your friend always,
Sam

Rod McNamara

July 8, 2020

I am so saddened to hear of Martys passing. I last saw him at the shop right before the COVID-19 shutdown when I needed a frame and a painting restored. He lived a full life...and he lived it on his own terms (to say the least!). You could always count on Marty to tell you exactly what he thought...no matter what. I will miss him terribly.

Jo Anne Roybal

July 8, 2020

Carrie,
I did not know your dad but he sounds like an amazing person. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy - YOU! He was blessed with a devoted daughter. I feel the pain of what you are going through. May the beautiful memories of your father bring you comfort and may the prayers of your friends bring you peace. Much love my dear friend.

Will Schmitt

July 8, 2020

I was managing a frame shop here in Santa Fe when Marty first came to Santa Fe. I thought Man what a character lol. He was a great guy. Always enthusiastic. RIP Marty

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417 E. Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505

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