David Frank Hurwitt of New Canaan, Connecticut, passed away Nov. 19, 2020.
David was born on April 8, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Irwin and Nancy Lyon Hurwitt. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan Stripp Hurwitt, their four children, Douglas, Laura Towle, David, and Sarah Clark and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; his sister, Joann Hurwitt Kinney; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
David was confirmed at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. He graduated from Pembroke Country Day School in 1956 and Harvard University in 1960. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1964, following a stint in the Air Force. He spent 26 years with General Foods Corp., including six years in Europe running the company’s English and French subsidiaries. He then returned to the U.S. as general manager of the Breakfast Foods Division, and then corporate vice president of Marketing for General Foods. He subsequently worked as vice president of Marketing for Flagstar, owner of Denny’s, and Hardee’s largest franchisee.
David then began nearly 20 years as a dedicated mentor and coach to a variety of small businesses, first through Renaissance Executive Forums and then through his own practice, Hurwitt Coaching. A wonderful communicator with the ability to ask deeply insightful questions, which he sprinkled with his own wisdom, David loved working one-on-one with others helping them achieve their dreams.
Alongside his work, David volunteered regularly for many organizations, including The Rotary Club of New Canaan. He served on the boards of The Institute for Global Ethics; Shakespeare on the Sound in Rowayton, Connecticut; and ABC (A Better Chance), in Darien, Connecticut; and he spent 10 years as board chair for Creative Connections of Norwalk, Connecticut.
An avid photographer and traveler, his favorite subjects were always people. Wherever he went, he would seek out crowded markets or bustling fishing villages where he would meet people through his camera. Often separated by language and culture, his subjects were invariably suspicious, until he peeked up from behind his viewfinder with his infectious grin and that special twinkle in his eye that brought out their smiles and created so many poignant images of connection and trust.
Ever the student, David was particularly interested in history and government and was always reading biographies — everything from Genghis Khan to Abraham Lincoln — although Winston Churchill and fellow Missourian Harry Truman were particular favorites. It was no surprise that a man from the “Show Me State” would look to examples from the past, as he too always sought to lead by example. Gracious and polite, curious and compassionate, he was an inspiring role model for his children and grandchildren and a steady and trusted friend to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Perhaps his favorite role, however, was as husband to his beloved wife, Susie. Always solicitous, he was known to often show up with flowers “just because.” Together, they raised their children, traveled the world, created beautiful homes, made treasured friends, supported their church and became the world’s best grandparents, as Susu and Poppy.
David will be greatly missed, because he was greatly loved; but the pure and consistent example of his life will remain an unwavering beacon for all who knew him: Be kind, be interested, connect with people, listen to understand others and always bring home flowers… just because.
A celebration of David’s life will be held when his family and friends can all safely gather, presumably this summer. To enjoy a sampling of David’s favorite photographs, visit dhurwitt.smugmug.com.
If you would like to give a memorial contribution in David’s name, the following suggestions were among those endeavors very meaningful to him:
The Rotary Club of New Canaan Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 62, New Canaan, CT 06840;
Creative Connections’ David Hurwitt Scholarship Fund [enabling underserved youth in the U.S. and around the world to engage in arts-based exchanges that foster global understanding and empathy] — creativeconnections.org/hurwitt_fund/;
The Principia School’s Morgan Fund [established by the Hurwitt/Towle family to support and encourage new families to attend the Principia School.] Please specify The Morgan Fund when donating — The Advancement Office, Principia,13201 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131 or online at principiagiving.org/donate.
