Roll Call Tribute
Arthur Gurwitz '47 May 3, 2021 12:42 PM updated: May 3, 2021 12:49 PM
Arthur B. Gurwitz
October 14, 1926 - April 30, 2021
Arthur was born in Laredo and graduated Martin High School. He entered the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M at age 16, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his eighteenth birthday. Following his wartime service, he returned to College Station and earned a degree in civil engineering.
After graduation, Arthur joined the H.B. Zachry Company and worked on major infrastructure projects in Central and East Texas. In 1950, he married Ruth Jean Scharlack, whose family owned Southern Music Company. In 1951, he joined the family business, becoming president in 1966 and leading the company until its sale in 2012.
Arthur served on the board of directors of the Music Publishers Association, and was president and a board member of the Music Industries Council of the Music Educators National Conference. He received numerous awards from state and national music education organizations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music Publishers Association. He also served on the boards of directors of the San Antonio Symphony and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio.
Arthur was a gentleman, known for his kindness and devotion to family and friends. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and passionately followed his beloved Texas Aggies. He attended every A&M-TU game from 1946 to the rivalry’s conclusion in 2011.
Arthur was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Jean, sisters Nell Gurwitz and Pauline Kress, and his son Andrew. He is survived by his son Jonathan and wife Rachel, grandchildren Allie and Jordan, brother Neil Gurwitz and wife Betty, and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express its deep appreciation for the wonderful care given to Arthur by Gregoria Alanis, Lety Bonilla, John Brookes, Dr. John Galan, Randall Treviño, R.N. and River City Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gurwitz International Piano Competition, care of Musical Bridges Around the World, or the Andrew Gurwitz Eyes of Texas Memorial Endowment at the UTSA School of Music.
Graveside services will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, at Temple Beth-El Memorial Gardens, 1715 Austin Highway.
© Porter Loring Mortuaries
October 14, 1926 - April 30, 2021
Arthur was born in Laredo and graduated Martin High School. He entered the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M at age 16, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his eighteenth birthday. Following his wartime service, he returned to College Station and earned a degree in civil engineering.
After graduation, Arthur joined the H.B. Zachry Company and worked on major infrastructure projects in Central and East Texas. In 1950, he married Ruth Jean Scharlack, whose family owned Southern Music Company. In 1951, he joined the family business, becoming president in 1966 and leading the company until its sale in 2012.
Arthur served on the board of directors of the Music Publishers Association, and was president and a board member of the Music Industries Council of the Music Educators National Conference. He received numerous awards from state and national music education organizations, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Music Publishers Association. He also served on the boards of directors of the San Antonio Symphony and the Jewish Federation of San Antonio.
Arthur was a gentleman, known for his kindness and devotion to family and friends. He took great pride in his grandchildren, and passionately followed his beloved Texas Aggies. He attended every A&M-TU game from 1946 to the rivalry’s conclusion in 2011.
Arthur was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Jean, sisters Nell Gurwitz and Pauline Kress, and his son Andrew. He is survived by his son Jonathan and wife Rachel, grandchildren Allie and Jordan, brother Neil Gurwitz and wife Betty, and a large, loving family of nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express its deep appreciation for the wonderful care given to Arthur by Gregoria Alanis, Lety Bonilla, John Brookes, Dr. John Galan, Randall Treviño, R.N. and River City Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gurwitz International Piano Competition, care of Musical Bridges Around the World, or the Andrew Gurwitz Eyes of Texas Memorial Endowment at the UTSA School of Music.
Graveside services will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, at Temple Beth-El Memorial Gardens, 1715 Austin Highway.
© Porter Loring Mortuaries
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