Alexander Ross Horowitz

Alexander Ross Horowitz, 81, passed away after a short illness on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Atrium Health Cabarrus Hospital in Concord, North Carolina. His wife of nearly 60 years, Madeline Holzapfel Horowitz, was fortunate to be by his side and holding his hand as he passed. 

Alex was born January 3rd, 1943 in Queens, New York. He excelled in school from a young age, graduating at 16 from Stuyvesant High School and attending Alfred University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After serving as a Combat Medic, including a combat tour in Vietnam, he then completed his undergraduate and medical education, making his life's work as a physician. Lovingly known as “Dr. Alex", he worked for over 30 years as a pediatrician in the private practice he established in Madison, NJ. It was his greatest joy to serve generations of families. 

He was loved by parents and patients alike and was driven to achieve much more for himself and his family. He often worked 12-hour days, seven days a week to always be available to his patients in his practice, in the local hospitals, and in his many leadership roles as a Medical Director. In fact, he never wanted to fully retire, as he loved his career and taking care of children and their families. Upon moving South, he continued to work as a part time pediatric hospitalist for many years, traveling the country to lend his services within underprivileged communities where there were fewer physicians. 

Alex was so much more than a husband, father, grandfather, friend, physician and veteran. He was a man who made everyone around him feel loved and cherished. He was kind to all and never knew a stranger, regularly inviting new guests for dinners and holidays. His sense of humor was unparalleled. He was known for taking “short cuts” on long drives, telling long stories and bad jokes! He loved spending every moment of free time with his wife Madeline, including their semi-annual vacations to St. Maarten, trips to Broadway shows, musical theater and the symphony in Charlotte. Never allowing his brain to rest, you could often find him in front of a New York Times crossword puzzle or reading a new book nearly every day. He loved watching all of his family excel in their passions and wanted to assist them in any way he could. He was often seen on the sidelines cheering on his children and grandchildren in their various pursuits. 

Alex is survived by his beloved wife, Madeline, and his service dog Keira, daughters Samantha and Naomi, son Russell, and their spouses, grandchildren Percy, Hayley, Kenlee, Sander, Gardner and Theo, as well as numerous relatives to include his and Madeline's siblings and their respective spouses and multiple nieces and nephews. Alex was preceded in death by his son Tony. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities: https://rmhc.org/donate.

A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Alex on November 30, 2024 at 11:00 at Temple Kol Tikvah located at 605 South St., Davidson, NC 28036. Please wear Crocs with socks as Alex was (in)famous for always wearing crocs and socks, regardless of his attire or the occasion! 

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Horowitz family.