Honoring Philip Horowitz for His Outstanding Contributions to The Community
Honoring Philip Horowitz for His Outstanding Contributions to The Community-Hon. Rosa L. Delauro (Extensions of Remarks - January 27, 2004)
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
OF CONNECTICUT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2004
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure but a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life of one of the outstanding members of our community, Philip Horowitz. Philip was 80 years old when he passed away last month, and in that time he left an indelible mark on the city of New Haven.
Emigrating from Russia, Philip's father, William, and his uncle, Jack, came to New Haven in 1913 and began selling fabric from a pushcart on Grand Avenue. With hard work, dedication and a dream, they opened a storefront nearby, and later, Horowitz Bros. moved to its home. In later years, Philip, his brother, Leonard, and their cousin, Arthur, took over the family business.
I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our Nation's economy. Through the years, Horowitz Bros. has been a fixture in downtown New Haven, outlasting a number of large department stores as well as smaller, family-owned businesses which have gradually disappeared. For the last 90 years, Horowitz Bros. has been a valued treasure in the city of New Haven, a testament to the American dream and to the invaluable place small business has in a community.
Horowitz Bros. holds a special place in the hearts of employees and customers alike. I have fond memories of going with my mother to pick out fabrics for the dresses she would make for me as a child. While waiting for my mother to choose her fabrics, you could always find me rearranging the many spools of thread, a habit which I am sure caused some chaos, but was always met with a good-natured smile. It is not an exaggeration to say that Philip was the very heart and soul of the store. His dedication, compassion and generosity is well known to all who had the opportunity to meet him. Philip was often characterized as a good man, a friend to all. His warmth, kindness and gentle spirit touched the lives of so many, and it is in that way that he will always be remembered.
I am proud to stand today to honor Philip Horowitz and all that he meant to the New Haven community. I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Hilda, his brother, Leonard, and his entire family. New Haven has lost a true community treasure in Philip Horowitz; however, I know that his memory will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.