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Sanford Allen Horwitz: December 19, 1922--April 13, 2026
Sanford A. Horwitz, (Sandy) passed away peacefully at home, at 103 years old, after a rich and full life.
A native Toledoan, Sandy graduated from Scott High School in 1941 and continued his education at the University of Toledo for two years. Always a proud American, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served honorably during World War II. After his military service, Sandy worked alongside his father at Horwitz & Pintis Company, a business established in 1904 to recycle barrels and steel drums. He was delighted when his son returned from college to join him in the family business. They worked together for over 30 years. Sandy remained dedicated to his work and would drive to the office daily into his early 90s.
Sandy was married for 72 years. After their first date at a University of Toledo basketball game, Sandy told his mother that he met the girl he was going to marry. They were engaged three months later. Phyllis (Kaufman) remained the love of his life. They were best friends and partners, sharing love, laughter and many good times together.
Sandy was known for his sense of humor and infectious laughter. Outgoing and sociable, he forged connections with everyone he met, learning their names and family stories—whether they were friends, bank tellers, or store clerks. His genuine interest in people made him a well-known presence in the community. Sandy had season tickets to both the University of Toledo football and basketball games, as well as to the Toledo Mud Hens and the Detroit Tigers. He was a lifelong fan of the University of Michigan.
While he loved sporting events, he derived his greatest pleasure being with family. He felt blessed that two of his three children remained in Toledo and that he had the pleasure of seeing his granddaughters grow-up on a daily basis. He never missed any of their sporting events, school performances or recitals. Sandy often said that nothing was more important than family.
He was a lifelong member of Temple Shomer Emunim, past president of the Temple Brotherhood, and also served on the boards of the JCC and the Toledo Jewish Federation. Sandy joined the Boy Scouts at age twelve, ultimately becoming an Eagle Scout. After the army he served as a Boy Scout leader at Troop 37 for over 20 years, mentoring countless scouts. He planned and attended many Jamborees. He was also an avid swimmer and swam into his 90s. Sandy may have held the world record for eating the most latkes during Chanukah from ages 100-102.
Sandy was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis. He leaves behind his children, Shelley Horwitz (Andrew Green), Laurie Cohen (Sandy), Steve (Denise), grandchildren Emily Cohen, Gabi Paxton (Tyrell), Dr. Amy Bernstein (Sam), Jess Connor (Ben), great-grandchildren, Ivy and Mia Paxton.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 16th at 10:30 am at Temple Shomer Emunim, 6453 West Sylvania Avenue, Sylvania, Ohio, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Sandy’s family with receive friends and family at a Meal of Condolence in the Temple Lounge immediately following interment. The family will sit Shiva at The Temple Thursday evening from 6:30-8:30 pm. May his memory be a blessing.
Donations in Sandy’s memory can be made to Temple Shomer Emunin:
https://www.templese.com/contribution
Or to the Boy Scouts: https://www.erieshorescouncil.org/donate
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sanford Allen "Sandy" Horwitz, please visit our floral store.
Temple Shomer Emunim
6453 W. Sylvania Ave., Sylvania OH 43560
Tel: 1-419-885-3341
Email: lnusbaum@templese.com
Web: http://www.templese.com