Leon Hurwitz

Dr. Leon Hurwitz passed away on July 27, 2021. He passed peacefully with his family nearby. Leon was born in Rochester, New York on August 29, 1921. He passed one month shy of his 100th birthday. He served in World War II as a medic/stretcher bearer in the European theater. He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. After the war he attended the University of Rochester and Cornell University and earned a PhD in Pharmacology. He married Shirley Epstein in 1948 and helped raise two kids. His career as a college professor/scientist began at Vanderbilt University, where he became a full professor. He was hired as chairman of the Pharmacology Department at UNM Medical School. He retired from UNM in 1986. He was married for 66 years until his wife passed away in 2014. Leon considered his marriage to Shirley his greatest blessing. Leon strongly supported the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. He was a staunch advocate for all poor and disadvantaged people. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, William, and Carla Hurwitz; his daughter, Elaine Beckett; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Monday, August 2, 2021, at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:00 am. Donations may be made at Hadassah of Albuquerque.