Obituary: Morris (“Morrie”) Serwitz

Morrie passed away at his home in Atlanta Aug. 5, 2020.

He was born in New Haven, Conn., March 5, 1942. Morrie grew up in Richmond, Va., with his younger brother Arthur.

Morrie was a 1964 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), now Virginia Tech, with a bachelor of science degree in animal science. He also graduated from Ohio College of Podiatry in 1969, earning honors in senior clinic proficiency and being the editor for the school yearbook, the Occopodian.

After marrying Laurie Shiffman of Cleveland, Ohio, they settled in Atlanta, where they had their two children and Morrie started his podiatry practice. Morrie was the eternal optimist and adventurer. He was a writer, a movie critic, an inventor (medical device), a world traveler, a tinkerer, a builder, a smooth dancer, a good dresser (took after his father), a snow skier, a water skier, and a creative cook.

Morrie was proud of the merit badges he earned as a Boy Scout, and he loved the camping experiences of his youth.

He loved to help others, and especially finding unique “gifts” to thank people. Morrie loved to laugh and enjoyed the old comics, especially Milton Berle, Red Skelton, Rodney Dangerfield, Buddy Hackett, Don Rickles and more. He also loved listening to the “old” and “not so old” crooners. Morrie liked mentoring young people just starting out in business or in a new practice. And Morrie volunteered for Wounded Warrior Project veterans at the VA. In his later years he took care of his mother Esther Serwitz, who lived to be 103 1/2.

Morrie was a member of The Open Synagogue, Shema Yisrael, and was so inspired with their holiday services. He particularly looked forward to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover, bringing alive our large family gatherings and traditions from our youth. Morrie was preceded in death by his parents, Rubin and Esther Serwitz. He is survived by his children Jodi Serwitz Poole (Jason) of Warrenton, Va., and Jennifer Serwitz Bartolome (Glen) of San Diego, Calif.; four grandchildren Taylor Gama, Josh Gama, Khloe Poole, Colton Poole; and his brother Arthur Serwitz (Joyce) of Birmingham, Ala.

Private funeral services were held at Arlington Memorial Park Aug. 7 with Bob Bahr (from Shema Yisrael) officiating, and his brother, Arthur, remembering Morrie. May Morrie rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Donations can be made in his honor to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.