Walter Stephen HORNAT

1940 - 2021

Walter Stephen Hornat, (MSGT; USAF; Ret.), 81, lifelong Hartford resident, entered eternal life Monday, November 8, 2021. Born in Hartford, May 29, 1940, one of four children to the late Stephen and Pauline (Skorobohata) Hornat. Walter was a Vietnam War Veteran, proudly serving in the United States Air Force for twenty-two years. He was the recipient of two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious service, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals and several additional medals, awards and decorations, including the Paratrooper Badge. Walter was assigned to the communications field as a Cryptographic Specialist. He served in North Africa, Alaska, Thailand and two tours at Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam. Walter was stationed at the Pentagon, where he was assigned to the National Military Command Center, providing service for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Walter was a life member of the VFW, DAV, the American Legion, as well as a proud member of the Ukrainian Americans Post 14. He was also a retiree of the U.S. Postal Service after 10 dedicated years of service. Walter was a faithful communicant of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hartford. He enjoyed sports, as an avid fan of the Red Sox, UConn Women's Basketball and NASCAR. Walter leaves two brothers; Rev. Stephen Hornat S.S.E. of Selma, AL and Henry Hornat with his wife Nancy, of Wethersfield; a nephew, Randy Patrizz; nieces, Laura Bellizzi and Jennifer Boni; along with his loving extended family, Thong Lee with his wife Lida Lee and their children, Savanna, Evan and Syliva; and special friends Jackie Fongimine and Doris Roy. In addition to his parents, Walter was predeceased by his sister Mary Patrizz of Deerfield Beach, FL and a nephew, Tony Patrizz II. Friends and relatives may pay their respects Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield from 4-7 p.m., with a Panachyda service at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Thursday, November 18, 2021 at 10 a.m. in St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 125 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford. Interment will follow the Liturgy in St. Michael's Ukrainain Catholic Cemetery, New London Turnpike, Glastonbury. The family requests in lieu of flowers and that memorial donations be made to Edmunite Southern Missions, 1002 Minter Ave., Selma, AL 36701. To extend online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.