John Thomas Hornak

John Thomas Hornak, was born on June 19, 1942 in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The son of John Joseph Hornak and Anne Paskevich. John graduated from Hazleton Senior High School and in 1960 he joined the Navy. He worked as Machinist Mate Third Class and served on the USS Galveston. John continued in the Naval Reserves until 1965.

John married Maryann Pesta (Olmsted) in 1967. John and Maryann had three daughters, Deborah, Christine and Sharron. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona shortly after their first child, Deborah was born.

John worked as an electrical engineer at Motorola for 30 years. He worked to develop the latest technologies used by the military, NASA and other organizations. During his long and dedicated career, John attended Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975. Subsequently, he received his Master degree in Resource Management followed by a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. John retired from Motorola in 1998 but began working as computer support specialist at Mesa Community College. Three years later, he formally retired his career in the technology and engineering field and began the next chapter of his life. He received his second Masters in Theology from St. Andrews Theological College and Seminary. Recently, John followed his passion to becoming a Chaplin and Ordained Deacon in the Reformed Episcopal Church. He enjoyed his time working with dedicated clergy as well providing spiritual care at Banner Desert Medical Center.

For most of his life, John was devoted to his choir at Resurrection Catholic Church in Tempe and his community theatre group at Sun Bird, in Chandler, AZ, his home since 1996. He enjoyed many wonderful experiences traveling and performing with the choir and participating in fabulous performances with his theatre group. In addition, John’s love for the ocean led him toward his sailing certification and he spent time as a member of the San Diego Harbor Island Yacht Club.

John is survived by his his aunt, Mary Prosser, his beloved children Deborah Hornak, Christine Stein, Sharron Fisher, and his grandchildren, Kayla Torgerson and Nicolette Stein. He will forever be remembered by his family and friends whom were blessed to know him.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, June 18th, 2016, at 10am at Resurrection Catholic Church, 3201 S. Evergreen Rd.

Tempe, AZ 85282

Memorial donations may be made to John’s preferred charity:

Disabled Veterans National Foundation DVNF P.O. Box 96262

Donate.dvnf.org