Alexander Rabinowitz

Alexander Richard Rabinowitz
Horseheads, NY

Alex Richard Rabinowitz was born in Port Chester, New York on December 17, 1938, and passed away on February 6, 2024, peacefully at home in the company of his family. Alex was the only child of Samuel and Ida Rabinowitz.

Alex attended high school at the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut. Upon his high school graduation Alex attended New York University where he met his one true love, Marilyn Rabinowitz (Stern). Alex and Marilyn were married on June 23, 1962. Upon college graduation, Alex attended the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In 1964, Alex received his doctorate decree, graduating 1st in his class and receiving the Pennsylvania College of Optometry Presidents’ medal. The same year the couple’s first son, Jeffrey A. Rabinowitz, was born.

After commuting to New York City for work for a few years, Alex and Marilyn decided that the down state rat race was not what they wanted. In 1968, Alex moved his family to Horseheads, New York and purchased Council Opticians in Elmira, New York. In 1969, the couple welcomed their second son, Andrew E. Rabinowitz, into the world. Alex practiced optometry and Alex and Marilyn managed Council Opticians together for 33 years.

Alex loved to travel. Alex loved everything about traveling. Alex traveled to and toured at least 60 countries around the globe. For Alex, sometimes it was just about the journey. On occasion as a younger man, Alex would simply take a plane to a destination just to take the flight and then catch the next flight back home. In fact, Alex received his private pilot’s license so he could travel at any time. Alex enjoyed the planning. Alex would often spend his days off at his friend’s travel agency making travel plans. In the evenings, sometimes Alex would read airline or European train timetables for enjoyment. Even more, Alex liked to tell travel stories about the places he visited. With his almost photographic memory he would describe details about various places he visited, happily giving recommendations for people’s upcoming travel plans.

Alex loved to travel, but his first love was his wife, children, and grandchildren, which he doted upon. As he got older, Alex traveled more to spend time with his grandchildren. Alex is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marilyn, his son, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Marie Rabinowitz and son, Andrew and daughter-in-law, Suzanna Rabinowitz, and grandchildren, Samantha, Joseph, and Lilly Rabinowitz.

Family and friends are invited to Congregation Kol Ami, 1008 W. Water St, Elmira, NY 14905, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 2PM. He will be laid to rest at Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery, Franklin St., Elmira, NY, immediately following.

Those wishing to remember Alexander please consider contributions to Kol Ami or the charity of your choosing.