Arnold Harvey Horwitz

January 15th, 2021

Mostly High School .Arnie was an exceptional basketball player.friendlyand sincere.He will be missed by all that knew him.

~Allan Cohen
~Old Friend, Deer Park il

January 11th, 2021

Arnie was our pharmacist at Dominick’s for many years. We looked forward to seeing him each time we picked up our prescriptions. He was a friend to us and we felt well cared for. He was such a warm and engaging man. After he retired he called us to check in. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family. May
Arnie’s memory be a blessing. Ellen
And Marc Rosenberg

~Ellen Rosenberg
~Customer/friend, IL

December 28th, 2020

I have a warming memory about Arnold, (Neil’s Dad as I knew him). Many years ago, Arnold came to visit Neil in TX. They treated me and my sister to a Rangers baseball game. I can’t remember if they won or lost, but I do remember having a nice time, first of all because Neil always treated us like we were his own children, and now I see where he gets a lot of his compassion from. But it was memorable also because Neil’s Dad made us laugh a lot. We felt safe around him, and knew that he was a man of respect. We couldn’t have been more grateful for being able to sit just rows behind home plate.

Afterwards, we had dinner and I remember Arnold while ordering his dish, being very specific about what he wanted: A plate of just Spaghetti noodles with onions. See, I told you he was funny.

I’m deeply saddened for Neil who I have a very special place in my heart for. Sending all my condolences to the entire Horwitz family. Know that Arnold’s heart and caring nature extends to his son. God bless you all.

Sincerely,
-Patricia

~Patricia Castillo & Tom Lillibridge
~Step-Daughter of Neil Horwitz, Plano, TX

December 21st, 2020

I could not have gotten a better dad than Arnold Horwitz. He always took care of us and the majority of the time gave us our wishes. For myself I was given a sky blue 1967 Ford hardtop Mustang 289 HP. I was so grateful for his generosity, as well as my sister SHERI and brother JEFF. I remember he taught me skills on how to be a solid little league player and practiced often throwing the ball around and other tips such as distracting pitchers. So much that I had my share of being hit by wild pitches. The last conversation I had with dad, was looking forward that the bears would beat the Vikings in Minnesota. And they did. I’ll miss sending him emails on current world events and have lengthy discussions on the phone. I’ll never forget all the good that he did. From military service in the army to helping others in need. May my dad Rest In Peace. Your beloved son NEIL

~Neil Horwitz
~Son, Plano, Texas

December 21st, 2020

DAD
Dad when I was young you were my superhero, as I grew, you wore a cape. You’re our doting, compassionate, kind, loving and my handsome hero. Dad, you always engaged others and loved to talk to everyone; you were congenial with a genuine smile.
I am my father’s daughter. We had an uncanny way of finishing each other’s sentences and Mom was the one who pointed that out to me first. The greatest gift you gave to me was to believe in myself and know that I could do anything once I set my mind to it. My drive and my work ethics came from you as I followed your lead.
As I reflect on our childhood memories with you Dad, was that one of the best parts of the day for Neil, Jeffrey and I was when you arrived home after a long day at work. The three of us excitedly stationed ourselves as lookouts for your arrival! I was watching from the east window, Neil the west and we placed our little brother in the middle to face the house across the street. No matter, he was a happy camper to be part of this routine. When we spotted your car, all
excitement broke loose; loud cheers as we ran to the door to see you climbing the stairs carrying your Zohn pharmaceutical box. We were all smiles and greeted you with cheers and hugs.
As a longtime community pharmacist in Grandpa Colitz’s store, you had steadfast, ongoing compassion and care for all of your customers. You personalized all of your prescription deliveries to those who were homebound. Sometimes they were able to pay and sometimes you said, “next time.” Neil, Jeff and I would go on deliveries with you. Mom would tell us before leaving the house, “don’t ever let your dad leave you in the car with the motor running.” You would promptly leave the engine running and hop out of the car for the delivery. Soon after you left the car, we would start jumping around, giggling and honking the horn. Most times you returned quickly.
Dad you were my superhero and that fact never wavered. I remember the time you let me take your new car with my friends for a night out. Unbeknownst to you, we headed to Frankenstein’s, a local “Disco”. Naive me, I parked your new car in a nearby bank parking lot. Yes, the car was towed. You picked us up wearing your pj’s under your pants and drove us to the tow lot, firmly instructing me what
to say. I profusely apologized, however, even before I apologized, I knew you were over the incident.
Dad you are one of a kind, dependable, encouraging, positive and clever…. frankly wonderful.
When you drove me to Champaign and we headed to my room at IT, one of my roommates left a note on the door….. “roaches found, exterminator coming! I looked at you and said, “let’s go home.” You calmly, reassuringly said, “Sher, roaches won’t crawl on carpets.” My trust was unquestionable, and you were my protector. Of course, I stayed! Frankly, I never did see a roach in the bedroom, only in the kitchen or bathroom!
My wonderful dad, we recently talked about all of our family travels that included sightseeing adventures, winter holidays, snowmobiling, ice skating and tobogganing. We also have warm weather holiday memories of basking in the sun, swimming in the pool and ocean…….. yes, we both agreed those were the days!! Remembering our ice skating outdoors and you always put us first as you would run ahead to warm the car before Neil, Jeff and I climbed in.
Dad you are such a proud, inspirational and loving Papa to your grandchildren my sons, Zachary and Jonathan. You and mom’s bond with the boys is so strong and beautiful. You both encouraged them to always do their best and you were positive and protective. Your special relationships made such an impact on both boys.
You and mom have had so much nachas when Zach and Alison and Emma and Jonathan married. You immediately embraced the girls into your circle of love. You were over the moon when you met our newest addition, our sunshine of 2020, great grandson Russell the newest addition to our family. You were excited to add Russell to your golf foursome!
Daddy, thank you for being my hero, listener, life mentor, friend, and simply being there every time I needed a hug or warm encouraging advice.
You are our amazing father. You have an enormous heart that holds everyone dear to you; Mom, Neil, Jeffrey, Me, your grandchildren; Zach, Jonathan, Alison, Emma, Great Grandson, Russell, extended family and dear friends.
The love between my dad and I is forever – I love you dad from the core of my heart.
Sheri

~Sheri Bulwa
~Daughter, Northbrook, Il.

December 21st, 2020

Papa

I’ve thought about this day before. I’ve thought about what I would write and what I would say before. But I never put pen to paper. I never thought too hard about it because I never wanted to think there would be a time in my life without my Papa.

As much I have cherished every moment spent with him, no amount of time could ever have been enough. And still…

How fortunate we all are to have had a minute shared with my Papa. I feel beyond fortunate to have shared over 31 years with him. I feel beyond fortunate to have my mom, who nurtured our family over the years, and who made my uncles, and grandma and Papa such an endless part of our lives. And how fortunate my Papa was to have over 65 years of marriage to a partner like my grandma. A matriarch, who cared for my Papa in every way possible and whose family embraced him as their own. How fortunate my family is to have grown over the last few years to include the Movish and Goodman families. I know how much that meant to my Papa. And how fortunate I feel to know how much my Papa loved his family and how much he cherished every moment spent with his family.

I’ve seen my Papa cry two times in his life. The first, when we laid to rest my great-grandmother Goldie. The tears poured from his eyes that day as he stood and read words from his heart.

The second, was Thanksgiving 2018. We spent the day at the Movish household, the home filled with the smells of Thanksgiving cooking, we sat next to each other watching football for hours. All day he had told me how happy he was for me to be with Alison, and Jonny to be with Emma, and how much he loved having Alison’s family and our family together. I could just tell how he was beaming. And later that evening when Alison announced to the family that she was pregnant; everyone was filled with pure happiness. For Papa, it was tears of joy. It was the greatest blessing for me to see my Papa become a great-grandfather. I have watched the video of that announcement countless times. Likewise, I have watched and re-watched a recent video of my Papa hearing Russell’s voice for the first time. It was just a few weeks ago, Russell gurgling and babbling on facetime. You can hear my Papa’s laugh in the background. It’s an infectious sound. And I can just hear him saying, “What a guy.” He always said that about Russell.

My Papa was always interested in how everyone was doing, in a raspy voice I can hear him say, “What’s doin?” And that’s what made golfing with my Papa such a treat. Golf with my Papa was also golf with his childhood friends. And it was the greatest. How I wish I could have another round of golf with him. He hit the ball down the middle of the fairway every single swing. Never too short, never too far, always right down the middle. I never saw him lose a golf ball in the rough. And he was never too far away from the green to putt the ball. But the best part of playing with him was just that we never were looking for his ball. He’d get out of the cart to hit a shot, and a second later would be back in the cart, asking about you, and your ball, and he was always rooting for you to do well.

We had some amazing times golfing. And lunch with his friends after golf only added to the wonderful experience. Every time was memorable for me. And I know it was just as special for him to golf and lunch with Jonny and I. Whenever he visited Russell, he told me about raising his children and how it just gets better and better all the time. It makes me think about growing up in his eyes. What he saw from us. And how we coveted time spent with him.

When I was a little boy, I had a stuffed animal dog that I would carry with me everywhere I went. I slept with this stuffed animal, and I remember feeling a sense of comfort and protection holding that dog beside me before falling asleep. And even as I grew up that stuffed animal stayed in my room, hidden away above my television, but watching over me. As I grew older, I would, on occasion, go open the cabinet and look at it, all ragged and worn but that sense of meaning, that sense of worth endured. I had named that stuffed animal Arnie. I had named that stuffed animal Arnie when I was too young to even know why I did. Now I do.

Holidays surrounded by family were always memory-generating. Papa always insisted Jonny and I sit next to him. And we always did. Passover was my favorite holiday. I can still smell my grandma’s Matzoh ball soup anytime I want to by closing my eyes, and see my family seated around the dining table in my grandparent’s living room, like it was yesterday. Sitting next to my Papa lead the service meant something to me. I knew the Haggadah, the holiday, held special meaning to him. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but now I do.

Hanukkah was particularly special as a child. My brother and I could not have been showered with more gifts from our family, but the ones that were particularly special were the $2 bills my Papa gave us. Every Hanukkah we would receive one $2 bill for each candle lit. Of all the presents I received; these bills just meant more. These $2 bills seemed more valuable to me, so I kept many of them. I didn’t know why, but now I do.

And as we all grew older; Papa was always with us. He made that abundantly clear in his attendance at any event he could go to in order to support me or my brother, or our family. My Papa was so present in my life that many of my friends knew him. He watched them grow up too. He watched us play sports together, he attended our concerts and graduations. And the outpouring of blessings from all of them over the past week reflects the impact he had on so many lives.

But of course, there were times he couldn’t be there, these were rare. And for those times and places he couldn’t physically be there with me, I carried his towel. He told me to keep this towel in my pocket and he would be there with me. Interviews, tests, first days. He was there with me through it all. But I never quite understood why it was so comforting. Now I do.

It’s just pure love. It’s the kind of thing you feel. It’s the unconditional support and care he bestowed upon all of us. It’s the comfort that extends through a towel to get you through a challenging time. It’s what makes a $2 bill special, and why you keep that for $2 bill for 20 years. It’s the leadership you see at the Seder that extends into every aspect of your life. It’s why, when you are three years old, you name your stuffed animal Arnie. It’s the kind of love that makes you feel something so deep, it makes you cry and cry that he’s not physically here with you, but you feel okay, because you know he is here with you. You can still feel him. You can still hear him.

He will live on through us. Through all of the people’s lives he touched. Through all of the memories he gave us. And through all of the character he instilled in us.

His soul will take its rightful place high above us, where he can continue to watch us grow, and lead, and love. Papa you will always be with us and you will never be forgotten.

Zach

~Zach
~Grandson, Chicago, Il.

December 21st, 2020

Arnold Horwitz was not only my dad, but he was also my best friend. He was always kind and considerate. Always wanting to help and offer suggestions. Dad was not only a very likable person, he was also good natured to the world. His organization skills carried over into his Sunday morning basketball and softball activities as well as his time spent working at Colitz pharmacy then joining Safeway during his older years. Dad was especially proud of Zachary for his accomplishments in the medical field and most importantly being around to see him become a doctor. Dad was also so proud of his grandson Jonathan for his academic and athletic accomplishments over the years and of course his tenacious work ethics. Dad was over joyous with the newest family member baby Russell.
For many years, you could see dad driving around in his beloved mustang convertible during the summer. An avid lover of the sun and warm weather, dad would often be seen at the pool or in a lawn chair. Dad touched many lives and his phone was one of the most important tools he had at his disposal. Often talking for hours with family and friends. He will be soryly missed.

Your beloved son,
Jeffrey

~Jeffrey Horwitz
~Son,

December 21st, 2020

As a fellow retired pharmacist, I wish to give my condolences to the family. I remember our friendship from the days I also lived in Lincolnwood, Little league, Hadassah friends and the various pharmacy dinners and lectures we both attended. Rest in peace.

~Earl Meyer
~Friend, Highland Park,IL

December 21st, 2020

So very sorry for your loss.
“Say not in grief ‘he is no more but live in thankfulness that he was”. Hebrew proverb. Hope he is on the great basketball court in the sky with Herb.
With love.

~Judy Clar
~Friend, Des Plaines,IL

December 20th, 2020

Our hearts ache for you. We will always remember the good times we spent together.
May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Your friends, LeRoy and Maxine

~LeRoy and Maxine Katz
~Hadassah Friend, Chicago, IL

December 20th, 2020

Your second family.
Love always, Joan Cook

~Joan Cook
~Dear Friend, Skokie, IL

December 20th, 2020

Sincerest Condolences

~Faye and David Ziegler
~Friend, Glenview, Illinois

December 19th, 2020

We are saddened by the shocking news of Arnie’s passing. Arnie’s regular calls checking in on our health despite his own challenges says volumes about our friend since grammar school at Wm Penn. Words are hard to express about Arnies death right now, but he will be remembered in our hearts forever.

~Marty & Merle Small
~Friend since 1939, Rochester MN