Stephen Pullar Horner

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stephen Horner, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, on December 16, 2024, in Madison, Connecticut. Born in New Rochelle, New York in 1946, Steve was admired by all who had the privilege to know him.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Briane (Seaman), with whom he shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and countless treasured moments. Their bond was a testament to the enduring power of love, as they navigated the joys and challenges of life side by side.

He also leaves behind his loving children, Brinsley Fox and her husband Jeremy, and Gregory Horner and his wife Caroline, and his sister Susan Cardin and husband Ken. Steve had three grandchildren, Zoe and Gillian Horner and Brendan Fox, and found immense joy in the adventures they shared together. His gentle teasing and playful nature endeared him to his late brother-in-law (and “best buddy”) John Seaman.

Steve earned a BA from Dickinson College and both MBA and JD degrees from Temple University. Following service as a captain in the Army, he went on to become a highly-respected lawyer specializing in employment law. During his career, Steve worked at New York-based firms such as Cullen and Dyckman; Arthur, Dry and Kalish; and Jackson, Lewis, Schnitzler and Krupman before working for Uniroyal, Inc. and then launching his own firm to fight for equity and fairness in the workplace. Throughout his life, Steve was always willing to offer his knowledge of marketing and the law and his legal services to those in need of support. He was generous to the last, even when providing support was beyond his physical capabilities.

Steve had many varied interests and loved to live an active life and to bring others together. He enjoyed kayaking, sailing, biking, skiing and running. Steve completed the New York City marathon four times, served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts, lobbied members of Congress on behalf of funding for diabetes research, and was an active member of the Madison Winter Club. For many years, he delighted in purchasing and renovating “fixer-uppers”. Steve was an active participant in the construction of the Shoreline Greenway Trail, loved playing chess with his chess club and with his grandson, and founded a peer support group for those with Parkinson’s disease. He was always ready to organize a game of croquet or bocce. Steve enjoyed both the exercise and the camaraderie of Rock Steady Boxing and exercised with the same determination and optimism he brought to all facets of his life.

Steve’s laughter and vibrant spirit will be greatly missed. Friends and acquaintances remember the twinkle in his eye and his infectious smile. He maintained a positive outlook and sense of humor throughout many years of illness.

As a family, we would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated supporters and caregivers who helped Steve in his final years, including Vitas hospice coordinator Kristin Giuliano and especially Becky Honan, who provided loving, devoted and joyful care for many years.

In honoring Steve’s memory, we invite those who knew him to celebrate his life and the love he so freely gave. A gathering to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on March 8, 2025 at 1pm; we ask friends and family to join us at the VFW hall in Guilford, CT to share stories, exchange fond memories, and commemorate a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to Rock Steady Boxing at Squared Circle Studio in Deep River, CT, causes close to Steve’s heart.