Arnold “Arnie” Hurwit, 83, of West Hartford, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 26th, after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Sondra “Sandy” Katz Hurwit, his three daughters, Janis Sullivan and her husband Michael of Mesquite, NV, Laurie Strauss and her husband Steve of West Hartford, Cindy Langer and her husband Al of Cromwell, grandchildren Michael Trenholm, Jennifer Strauss, and Adam Strauss, and great-grandchildren Jessica and Cierra Trenholm, and Dyllan, Logan and Amaya Trafford. He was born in Hartford to the late James S. and Mary Gitlin Hurwit and was predeceased by his brother Carl G. Hurwit. Arnie attended West Hartford Public Schools, graduated from Hall High School in 1945, and also attended University of Connecticut, before marrying the love of his life, Sandy, in 1947. In his early career, he managed and operated Hurwit Hardware on Park St. in Hartford. In the late 1950s, he entered the field of real estate and later became a real estate developer, which was his passion. After his retirement, he and Sandy spent their winters in Sarasota, FL, for several years. He was a member of Congregation Beth Israel of West Hartford and The West Hartford Regents.
Arnie enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, tennis and bridge, and his favorite hobby of “medicine.” He was affectionately known to many as “Dr. Hurwit” and had a wonderful talent for medical intuition. He was a wise, gentle, patient and loving husband, father and friend. He will be remembered for so many special things, especially his wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A special thank-you to Maxine Griffiths, Luraine Santouse, Carnetta Ellis, Sandra Ledger, Lesline Glen, Denise Bennett, Laura Attipoe, Pamela Nankanda, and the staff at Vitas Hospice for their extraordinary care.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 at 1:30 PM in the Chapel of the Weinstein Mortuary, 640 Farmington Ave., Hartford with Rabbi Stephen Fuchs officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Ste. 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or Vitas Hospice, 628 Hebron Ave., Ste. 300, Glastonbury, CT 06033, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
A memorial period will be observed at the home of his daughter Laurie Strauss, 26 Woodmont Rd., West Hartford, CT through Sunday. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Arnie, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm
