Andrew Fred Hornak

He was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 12, 1941 to the late Andrew Joseph Hornak and the late Violet May Lewis Hornak.

Andy took great pride in serving his country in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He would spend the rest of his life dragging his wife and kids to tour every battleship he could find! One of his life’s greatest thrills was to sail on a week-long cruise with his wife in celebration of their 60th birthdays.

Another passion of Andy’s was his Lionel model trains. His children and grandchildren never felt Christmas could be complete without his extensive model train set laid out under the tree. The train table monopolized 90% of the basement the other 48 weeks a year where he spent many happy hours. One of his happiest moments was driving the New Hope Valley Railway locomotive as Chief Engineer one birthday! Note: wife and kids endured many train rides.

After leaving the Navy to enjoy a long and happy married life, Andy worked a variety of jobs while studying carpentry and construction. His talent allowed him to bless his family with custom crafted projects including a beloved toy chest. His daughter did not appreciate his skills until she failed at constructing a “simple” rabbit hutch.

While working he served his community by volunteering as a fireman for Fountain Hose in Ansonia, CT. He was especially excited to earn the privilege of driving the big firetruck (until there was a slight “accident.”). Thankfully he did not go to every fire or he might have discovered his car missing one night. Rumor has his daughter was joy riding with her BFF without permission (and maybe only a permit) but memories are sketchy here.

After Andy was injured while working, he taught his family that although life can be very unfair, one perseveres! He threw away his pride and provided for his family anyway he could. His kids always had a home, food on the table and a deluge of activities to participate in. A rare quality in today’s world…his daughter highly admired the sacrifices that made this possible.

For fun Andy loved baseball games, bowling, playing drums, beer, lemonade (ordering one every restaurant he could), all food, Law & Order, Hallmark Channel, Ridiculousness (to his wife’s dismay) and any show in black & white. He never took any fashion advice and wore socks with sandals but was ahead of his time in low wearing jeans. His wife will miss their daily routine, his predictability, his dramatic digestive vocals, Sunday pancake breakfasts, daily car drives, but, mostly, his companionship.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Matusovich Hornak; children, Kristine Ohaechesi (Mello) & Drew Hornak; grandchildren, George, Abrianna, Ace and Sarah; brothers and sisters, Diane Grumbach (Steve), Valerie Gladu (Eddie), and Thomas Hornak (Joni); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 19, 2023 in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton, North Carolina. Interment will follow at East Carolina State Veteran Cemetery in Goldsboro, North Carolina at 2:00 PM with military gravesite rites.

The family will recieve friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

Memorials may be made in his memory to: https://companionparrots.org/donate/

McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Hornak family.