Mark Lawrence Horwitz, 75, of Longwood, Florida, passed away on May 19, 2023, surrounded by family.
Mark was born on August 31, 1947 to Martin Horwitz and Annette Cross in West Palm Beach, Florida. After Mark graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School in 1965, he went on to study Economics at the University of Florida. While attending undergrad, Mark was a member of the Phi Epsilon Fraternity and maintained those friendships throughout his life. He then furthered his education at the University of Florida College of Law where he was on law review, as well as a member of the Order of the Coif. Mark graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1972.
Throughout college, Mark was in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). After college, Mark was an Officer in the United States Army Active and Reserve for 8 years, ultimately obtaining the rank of Captain.
In 1973, Mark became an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and represented the United States for eight years in criminal and civil matters in federal trial and appellate courts. Mark proudly served the community as a defense attorney for the rest of his career. Mark loved his profession and mentored countless lawyers. He received many awards from legal organizations, including the Glazebrook Professionalism Award. Mark’s greatest professional honors were being a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and serving as president of the George C. Young American Inns of Court.
Mark had two children with Mary Horwitz, Martin and Marci. He was very proud of his children, who were both graduates of the University of Florida. Martin went on to be an Environmentalist and Marci followed in Mark’s footsteps and became an attorney.
Mark was a wonderful Grampy to his two grandchildren, Ava and Grant. He loved to spoil them with trips to theme parks and with Ghirardelli’s ice cream sundaes.
In 1996, Mark married the love of his life, Susan. They loved to travel all over the world, from Europe to Dubai, but their favorite place to be in the mountains of Aspen, Colorado. Mark and Susan enjoyed spending time together with friends, family and their beloved dog, Max. They loved hiking, skiing, riding their Harley Davidsons to delicious breakfast spots, attending University of Florida football games, and were constantly on the hunt for good food.
Mark is predeceased by his mother, Annette, father, Martin, brother, Robert, and niece, Melissa. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his son, Martin (Jennifer), his daughter, Marci (Brandon), his grandchildren, Ava and Grant, his sister Candace, and his nephew, Sheldon.
Graveside services will be held at Temple Israel Cemetery, (9302 Morton Jones Road, Gotha) on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 9:30 AM with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Congregation of Reform Judaism, (928 Malone Drive, Orlando, Florida) at 11 a.m. Following the Celebration of Life, the family will host a gathering at their home. May Mark rest in peace and may his memory always be a blessing.