Dr. Abbey Horwitz

The family of Abbey Horwitz is heartbroken to announce his sudden passing on June 3, 2023.

Abbey, born March 27, 1955, grew up in the Bronx, New York. he graduated from Fordham University before attending the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry in Richmond. Upon graduation, he moved to Virginia Beach and, in 1981, he opened his first dental practice in Great Neck Square. While working, he met his partner and soulmate, Brenda Spradlin.

Abbey was passionate about his work, his staff, and his patients. Always with a smile on his face and a cup of coffee in his hand, Abbey loved to share stories and jokes with all who walked into his office. He was committed to providing the best care for his patients. He took time to listen to their concerns and carefully explain their options. He never hesitated to open his doors on the weekend to help emergency cases. And he continued his education to adapt emerging technologies to his practice.

For over 40 years, Abbey brought smiles to the Tidewater area.

When Abbey and Brenda began their relationship, they made the Tidewater Jewish community their home. In 1984, they traveled on their first mission trip to Israel before they were married. From that time on, Abbey devoted his time and energy to the Jewish community and to the State of Israel. He first served as President of the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, where he established the inaugural 8th grade trip to Israel. He wholeheartedly believed in the importance of sending Jewish students to Israel to see and experience first-hand their homeland. Abbey also served as President of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, supporting the establishment of the Simon Family Jewish Community Center in 2004.

Abbey shared his love of life with everyone he met. Whether through his dental practice or his volunteer efforts, or even just the stranger standing next to him, he touched people’s lives and brought immense light and joy to those around him. He had a unique way to make everyone he spoke with feel special. All who knew him had their own “Abbey story.” We all will treasure his memories.

Abbey loved to travel the world with his wife and family. He endeavored to find the local experience wherever he traveled, which often included trying the most exotic items on the menu. He loved to capture moments and scenery on his camera, which he would then print on large canvases to cover the walls of his dental practice. Later in his life, Abbey and Brenda found joy in hiking, snorkeling, and rappelling. Their adventures together even brought them to skydive for Brenda’s sixtieth birthday.

Above all else, Abbey fiercely loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Horwitz, children, Shayna and Jonathan Horwitz, brother Ethan Horwitz and Gloria Kindman, his brothers-in law, Danny and Karen Spradlin, Donald and Kaylene Spradlin, nieces and nephews, Jessica and Jason Fruithandler, Matthew and Anu Horwitz, Wesley and Beth Spradlin, Mark and Jessi Spradlin, Emily and Dan McGuinness, and great-nieces and great-nephews, Liba, Micah, and Hadar Fruithandler, Shrayan Horwitz, Decker, Harper, and Greer Spradlin, Ella and Isaiah Spradlin, and Hugo McGuinness. Abbey’s parents, Lester and Barbara Horwitz, preceded him in death.

A graveside service will be held for Abbey on Friday, June 9, at 11:00 am at the Princess Anne Memorial Park in Virginia Beach. There will be a box at the gravesite if members of the community would like to bring a written “Abbey story” for the family to share together.

The meal of consolation and shiva will be private to immediate family members.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to any of the following organizations: the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and the Currituck County Animal Services Control.

May his memory forever be a blessing.