Phillip Hurwitz

A graveside service for Phillip A. Hurwitz, 90, of Houston, formerly of Tyler, will be held on Sunday, December 20, 2009, at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rabbi Neal Katz officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Mr. Hurwitz passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 in the presence of his two surviving sons, Gary and Craig Hurwitz. Phil, as he was known to his friends and to the community, was born July 14, 1919 in Fort Worth to Ida and Morris Hurwitz, the youngest of nine brothers and sisters. He attended Texas Christian University followed by the University Of Texas School Of Law. Following one year of law school, Phil left to join the Air Force and was assigned to the China-Burma –India Theatre of War in WWII. He went on to receive numerous military honors and awards including the Bronze Star. He retired from the Air Force a Lieutenant Colonel following 5 years of service. In 1955, Phil married Jeanne Sugar, and the couple settled in Tyler where Phil opened Hurwitz Man’s Shop clothing store for which he is probably best remembered. Phil Hurwitz became a remarkably successful businessman and in 1984 was honored as the first recipient of the Men’s Wear Retailer of the year award, a prestigious retail award. Phil was also a co-founder of Foot Action, USA. Phil’s commitment to his community was enviable. In addition to an endowed Presidential Scholarship that he established for the University of Texas at Tyler, Hurwitz also helped establish the Tyler Junior College E.S. Guggenheim Endowed Nursing Scholarship and enjoyed donating to his favorite causes including M.D. Anderson Hospital, the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital among others. In addition to his numerous state and regional awards, Phil was honored locally for his unselfish and dedicated service as President of the Broadway Square Merchant’s Association (1977-1979), as Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, as a member of the University Of Texas System Chancellor’s Council, and as President of the Sales and Marketing Executives in Tyler (1971-1973). Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was his years of faithful service and generosity to Congregation Beth El Temple in Tyler. Phil is survived by his sons, Gary Hurwitz and wife Lisia of Houston and Craig Hurwitz of Dallas; brother, Sidney Hurwitz and wife Bertha of Austin; and the three grandchildren he adored and loved, Madison, Cassidy and Hutch Hurwitz. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Phillip Hurwitz

July 14, 1919 - December 15, 2009