Robert L. Horwath
April 14, 1921 - August 17, 2005
Bob Horwath left this world August 17, 2005, with many of his children and his wife by his side.
Born in 1921, he was raised in Arizona, joined the Navy to serve his country during WWII and found the love of his life while on furlough in Boston, Mass.
Married in Boston, he and his new bride, Loretta, honeymooned their way across the U.S. to California to start and raise their family. The Horwath family moved to La Cañada in 1955 and have been members of St. Bede’s Catholic Parish for the last 50 years.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Loretta, six children; Cynthia, Mike, Dan, Pat, Tim and Bettsy, and their spouses, 15 grandkids and two great-grandkids, his two sisters; Dusty and Joei, and numerous nieces and nephews. His only brother, Steve, preceded him in death.
Bob Horwath was one of the last L.A. produce industry kings. Being a man of great spirit, he lived the life of a produce man from the time he was 14 years old hauling produce in trucks across the dirt roads and deserts of the Southwest. He established a presence in the L.A. produce market with the emergence of his companies, Season Produce Company and S & H Packing Co.
He and his brother, Steve, were among the first to produce year-round supplies of fresh tomatoes. He also pioneered in introducing fresh mangoes from Mexico to the American market.
He is loved by many and will be missed by many more. He was a businessman who understood people. He has numerous friends as a result of his generosity and compassion and he gave of himself time and time again to those in need. He gave money, time, energy and expertise to church, charities, schools and institutions. He was a man of many colors, great virtues, and unmatched kindness.
His death creates an enormous void in our family yet he has left us all with a great gift, an incomparable gift of love and life’s lessons. Thank you, Dad for all you’ve done for us. Thank you for all the memories you’ve bestowed upon us. If anyone has instilled in us the meaning of family, you have. Without it we are nothing, but with the strength of family behind us, we can accomplish anything.
Services were officiated by Fr. Matt Elshoff, Monday, August 22nd, at the San Fernando Mission Rey. If desired, the following could use some help: Villa Scalabrini, Bldg. Fund 10631 Vinedale Street. Sun Valley, CA 91352; St. Francis High School; Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.