Obituary for Joseph A. Hornak
Joseph A Hornak, 73, of Donora passed away on April 27, 2020.
Born on March 16, 1947, to Joseph and Lillian (Zajack),
Joe was a 1965 graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Joe graduated from Waynesburg College where he was instrumental in leading undefeated Waynesburg to the 1966 NAIA National Football Championship. He started all four years and earned small college All-American honors. Joe was one of the last 60-minute college football players when he became the team’s starting defensive end and offensive tackle his junior year.
As much as Joe was a terror on the gridiron, off the field he was a kind and gentle soul who it was said could have been mistaken for the drum major of the college band. His kindness lasted a lifetime.
Joe served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam era and was an usher at St. Andrew the Apostle Church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian, father, Joseph, two brothers Ronald and Bernard, and sister-in-law Marguerite.
Joe is survived by his brother Rich (Carol) of New Jersey; niece, Natalie Hornak; and nephews Tim and Brian Hornak.
Our dear brother and uncle deserves a beautiful tribute to celebrate his life. We however, appreciate in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, that this would NOT be a socially responsible decision and in the best health interest of our family and friends. Therefore we are limiting any funeral proceedings to the immediate family. Please be with us in prayer. We would love to hear from you through the funeral home website. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second Street Extension, Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, (724) 379-6900
Born on March 16, 1947, to Joseph and Lillian (Zajack),
Joe was a 1965 graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. Joe graduated from Waynesburg College where he was instrumental in leading undefeated Waynesburg to the 1966 NAIA National Football Championship. He started all four years and earned small college All-American honors. Joe was one of the last 60-minute college football players when he became the team’s starting defensive end and offensive tackle his junior year.
As much as Joe was a terror on the gridiron, off the field he was a kind and gentle soul who it was said could have been mistaken for the drum major of the college band. His kindness lasted a lifetime.
Joe served in the Army Reserves during the Vietnam era and was an usher at St. Andrew the Apostle Church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian, father, Joseph, two brothers Ronald and Bernard, and sister-in-law Marguerite.
Joe is survived by his brother Rich (Carol) of New Jersey; niece, Natalie Hornak; and nephews Tim and Brian Hornak.
Our dear brother and uncle deserves a beautiful tribute to celebrate his life. We however, appreciate in this unknown time with the COVID-19 pandemic, that this would NOT be a socially responsible decision and in the best health interest of our family and friends. Therefore we are limiting any funeral proceedings to the immediate family. Please be with us in prayer. We would love to hear from you through the funeral home website. To share a condolence please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second Street Extension, Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, (724) 379-6900