Myron "Mike" Stuart Hurwitz

Myron “Mike” Hurwitz, 96, of Annandale, VA passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7th at his home. His family and loving caregiver are greatly saddened by his death, but are comforted knowing he lived a long, happy life surrounded by family, friends and lots of love.

Mike was born in Brooklyn, New York to Florence and Herman Hurwitz on December 31, 1928. While in elementary school, the family moved to Hartford, Connecticut. Mike often shared heart-warming stories about his childhood in both Brooklyn and Hartford. He especially loved spending time on the family farm with his grandparents (Charlie & Gussie Gasner) along with his many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mike earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also played on the tennis team. After college, he moved to New York City to work in his field. Mike fully embraced the bachelor life in NYC and loved sharing stories with his kids and grandkids about his adventures. In particular, he loved living in a neighborhood next to the United Nations, hanging out in Greenwich Village, and spotting Harry Belafonte at a dance club. Mike was also an avid skier, ski instructor, and a proud member of the Ski Patrol. He often joked that his first question to a woman was, “Do you ski?” At 36, he met his loving and devoted wife, Joanne Paster, who not only didn’t ski, but despised the cold. That didn’t stop him from trying to teach her, whether she liked it or not. Joanne loved his playfulness and often commented on how their first date was to the Central Park Zoo.

Mike and Joanne moved to Annandale, VA in 1965 where Mike worked as an architect for the government. It was in Annandale where Mike and Jo raised their three girls, Gwen, Rayna and Lisa. Mike remained a kid-at-heart, eager to share his passions for winter sports, tennis, football, and singing songs from the 1940s with his children (especially songs sung by Bing Crosby and Perry Como). Despite never having skateboarded, he was excited to get skateboards for his girls so he could learn along side them. His children will never forget the time they were with their mom, driving back into their neighborhood, when Mike came flying down the street on one of their skateboards. They were relieved that they didn’t hit him! Mike continued to be active and ski into his senior years. He refused to accept that his body was starting to weaken and when a cane was proposed, he said with conviction, “I don’t need a cane! I’m a skier!”

While an architect, professionally, Mike had an inquisitive mind and pursued innovative solutions to existing problems, holding mechanical and architectural patents. He passed this passion for exploration and curiosity on to his children.

Mike cherished his grandchildren, and more recently his great grandchildren, and was often surrounded by them. For many years, the entire family got together to celebrate 4th of July (in Washington D.C., Havre-de-Grace, MD and Salem, NH) as well as his birthday which coincided with New Year’s Eve. He was known for being a diehard fan of the Washington Redskins and for his unending kisses and hugs to his daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Several weeks prior to his death, Mike spent almost a week with his two great grandchildren, Helix (age 3.5) and Liora (almost 1.5). There are many loving videos of the three of them together, which the family will always cherish.

In addition to his immediate family, Mike and Jo treasured the time spent with their friends, often gathering to play the card game “Oh Hell” on weekend evenings while listening to their favorite records, which included Jim Croce, John Denver and George Carlin. Their girls fondly remember falling asleep on those nights listening to an abundance of laughter. They also enjoyed trips to the Sea Colony at Bethany Beach together.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, Herman and Florence Hurwitz and his wife, Joanne Hurwitz.

He is survived by his daughters Gwen (Larsen) and husband Steven, Rayna (Richardson) and husband David, Lisa (Labinger) and husband Martin; grandchildren, Sam (Larsen), Evan (Larsen), Brianna (Michel) and husband Anderson, Sarah (Richardson), Jacob (Richardson) and Adam (Richardson); and great grandchildren, Helix (Michel) and Liora (Michel).

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Ms. Arcilia (affectionately called “Moratuwa” meaning “My Love” in Sesotho, the Lesotho language). Her compassionate care made it possible for their father to remain in the home he loved. Moratuwa’s kindness, love, and dedication over the years — first to their mother, then to their father — brought them both comfort, dignity, and fun in their final years.

A private service will be held at Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Queens, New York.

The family is very appreciative of the outpouring of love and support. Their Dad loved skiing and the State of Israel, so in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Magen David Adom”, “Friends of the IDF” or “Skiduck Skiing for Disabled & Underprivileged Children and Older.”

May his memory be a blessing.