Arthur Hurvitz

Dateline: Providence

Hurvitz, Arthur (February 20, 1926 – August 26, 2020)

When he was asked by one of his grandchildren to define the essence of a well-lived life, Arthur replied without hesitation: marry a wonderful woman, find a job that will support your family, and further a cause for which you have a passion. He embodied those words and so much more.

Born in New York to immigrant parents who instilled in him a love and appreciation for this country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and was gravely wounded in the Battle of the Bulge during the Second World War. After recovering, he met the love of his life, whom he married and spent 71 years of blissful marriage with. He earned dual degrees in industrial engineering and textile engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology courtesy of the GI Bill and in 1951 moved to Pawtucket to join Health-Tex / The Standard Romper Company. Over a 27-year career at Health-Tex, he rose to President and led the company in becoming the foremost designer and manufacturer of children’s clothing and through its listing on the New York Stock Exchange. After retiring from Health-Tex, he started Heritage Color, a color separation and printing company whose skill earned it major printing accounts including the covers of Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines.

His passion was helping everyone he could: he served as a board member on numerous non-profit  organizations such as The Miriam Hospital, Pawtucket Boy’s Club, Cumberland-Lincoln Boy’s Club, Planned Parenthood of RI, the Jewish Seniors Agency, the Jewish Federation of RI, and The Jewish Family Service. He funded the high school education of underprivileged black girls by providing scholarships to the Lincoln School. When staff at the Jewish Home for the Aged went on strike, he served meals to residents. His devotion to the Miriam Hospital spanned more than four decades, and included establishing the Hurvitz Nursing Scholarship Endowed Fund, co-chairing The Campaign for the Next Generation (which raised more than $30 million and led to the opening of the Victor and Gussie Baxt Building), receiving the status of honorary nurse, and being awarded the 2009 Miriam Hospital Person of the Year for championing nursing excellence as well as advancement of the hospital overall.

He took countless people under his protective wing and supported them through personal crises. His list of charities was always expanding. He leaves behind his wife Joyce Hurvitz of Providence; two children, Karen Hurvitz of Concord, MA and Ellen Hurvitz and her husband, Barry Strasnick, of Needham, MA; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who will all deeply miss this selfless, patient, kind, humble, and inspiring man, whose life they had the privilege to share.

Funeral services and shiva will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s memory may go to the Hurvitz Nursing Scholarship Endowed Fund, C/o Miriam Hospital, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, or https://giving.lifespan.org/The-Miriam/Give-Now.

21 Comments

  1. Judy Fineman
    Aug 27, 2020

    In loving memory of a wonderful, kind man and father to my oldest and most perplexing friend. I hope all of the memories of your dad help you through this difficult time. He will be missed by many. His legacies will live on in all he did for humanity. Hugs to the Hurvitz family, Judy (and Stan) Fineman

  2. HOWARD BROWN
    Aug 28, 2020

    Karen and family,
    I am sorry for your deep loss. May his memory be for a blessing.
    Baruch Dayan Emet
    Howard

  3. Carol Denbo
    Aug 28, 2020

    Karen
    So very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. Sounds like he was one very special human being. My deepest condolences to you and your family! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
    Carol

  4. Trysha and Michael Lynch
    Aug 28, 2020

    We are saddened deeply at the news. We read his life ! What a treasured life he has led his family through! You have kept coming into my thoughts this past week now you see some of them written.
    Love and Hugs to you.

  5. Rachael Poliquin
    Aug 28, 2020

    The world won’t shine as bright, but his impact upon all the lives he touched will only drive those he inspired to reignite what has been lost in his honor.

    To the entire Hurvitz family, sending my deepest condolences.

    -Rachael

  6. Tina Trahan
    Aug 28, 2020

    My dad, Fred Trahan, is deeply sorry to hear about Arthur’s passing. He worked with him at HealthTex for many years. He remembers how kind he was and how he helped him with photography. May he rest in peace.

  7. Theresa O'Loughlin
    Aug 28, 2020

    Karen, I am so sad for you, Daniel, Michael, Ellen and family, and your wonderful mom. Your dad was the quintessential gentleman, with a strong intellect matched by an equally kind heart. His voice had the power to soothe: I’ll never forget his comforting me on the phone when I was at your house and one of the little baby lovebirds met with an untimely demise on encountering the dining room wall. It was always a pleasure to see him and your mom together. True love. And his love for all of his family–and for a certain beautiful dog–was and remains a testament to his life and his character. I am so thankful that our paths crossed through you, my friend. Love, Theresa

  8. Lois and Danny Kaplan
    Aug 28, 2020

    We are so sorry for your loss. Arthur embodied the meaning of the word “mensch”. He was an exceptional person. May his memory be a blessing

  9. David F. Lucas
    Aug 28, 2020

    Joyce, I am sorry for your loss. The world just lost one of its top human beings. Arthur will be missed by many. When Mary was in Miriam Hospital she always spoke of the fun we had at the dance studio with Arthur with is big feet and you with your jokes. She looked forward to seeing you both. I hope both Arthur and Mary will get another chance to dance together. If there is anything I can do for you and your family please contact me.

    I am really sorry for your loss and the lost to mankind.

  10. Amanda Cardeira
    Aug 28, 2020

    It has been quite a few years since i’ve been part of the dance community, but i remember Arthur and Joyce well. Arthur was one of the most genuine and kind people i have been lucky enough to have the privilege or knowing. The world is definitely a little less bright today.

  11. Marie I Daghlian
    Aug 28, 2020

    Joyce, Karen, Ellen, Daniel, and Michael,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Karen, you have been my best friend for 50 years and all through that time, your father, Arthur, was one of the kindest, most loving people I know. He accepted me as part of the family and I always wanted to see him and your mother when I visited with you. I know this is a very difficult time and words fail to convey my heartfelt sorrow at his passing. My thoughts are with your family.

  12. carol doppelt
    Aug 28, 2020

    Karen -
    Steve and I are so sorry to learn of your loss – You were blessed to have a father who was such a special, caring, kind and exceptional man – Such a great loss for you and your family –
    May wonderful, loving memories help to ease the sorrow!

  13. Andi Brown
    Aug 28, 2020

    Karen, I am so terribly worry for your loss. You were fortunate to have had him for so long, and I hope your memories sustain you during this difficult time.

    What I remember about your father is his wry sense of humor. He always made me smile.

    Please send my love and condolences to your mother and Ellen.

    Hugs,
    Andi

  14. William Samuels
    Aug 29, 2020

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Although he is not physically present, he will always be alive in your minds. My thoughts are with you

  15. Frances Rady
    Aug 29, 2020

    Joyce, Karen, Ellen and kids,
    Arthur Hurvitz. My favorite Uncle. Arthur knew how to make kids laugh as well as encourage and nurture an inquisitive nature. Reading his life synopsis only reinforces the image I have always had of him as “bigger than life.” I love you all and cherish the memories I have from childhood and our visit some years ago. In Arthur’s memory, we must shorten our distance and time between visits. I love you all. I feel the loss of a great man and the best uncle any child could ever wish to have.

  16. Charles Jacobs
    Aug 30, 2020

    Jeannie and I are so sorry for the loss of your father, Karen. You spoke of him often and so dearly: how he was a loving pillar of your life, how he encouraged you to be strong, how he insisted you could do anything you set your mind to. And how convincing he was about all that.

    We wish we’d have known him. We wish more of our people could be like him.

    May you be comforted along with the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion.

  17. Yvonne Price-Madnick
    Aug 30, 2020

    Ellen and Family,
    Please accept our most sincere sympathy in the death of your father.
    We are so sorry for the loss you must be feeling.
    with Loving Thoughts,
    Yvonne and Stuart

  18. Joanne & Shelly Summer
    Aug 30, 2020

    Shelly and I remember Arthur and Joyce as a couple to be admired for all they represented as being hard working , devoted and very philanthropic. It is with sadness that he has expired. I know the beautiful memories of his life will sustain the family.
    Fondly,
    Joanne Summer

  19. Jo Ann Kaplan
    Aug 31, 2020

    Karen, my dear, dear friend, I honestly don’t know what I can say to offer comfort to you and your family in the face of your terrible loss. But please know that I care that you are hurting and am holding you in my thoughts and prayers. And know that your Dad, and his love, will be with you always.

  20. Philip Peck
    Sep 1, 2020

    Karen, Very sorry for your loss…
    You are a strong and courageous woman. Reading about your Father, his life and passion to help others is inspiring. I now know why you are such a brave woman who stands up to do the right thing.
    May his Love stay with you and your family always…
    May his memory be for a blessing….
    Karen, Stay strong and courageous.

  21. Andrea Levin
    Sep 3, 2020

    Dear Karen,

    Ken and I were so very sorry to learn of your loss and send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Your father’s remarkable life story, filled with kindness and accomplishment, is a moving glimpse of what he meant to his family and community. May his wonderful memory be an abiding blessing.

    Andrea and Ken

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