Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg
Leesburg, Virginia
Aug 19, 1943 – Apr 11, 2025
Carl Philip Horton, 81, of Lovettsville, Virginia, passed peacefully on April 11 with his loving wife, Tracie, at his bedside.
Carl was born on August 19, 1943, at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Kittery, Maine.
He spent his first 13 years living in Watertown, Massachusetts, and then moved to Newington, Connecticut.
Carl graduated from Newington High School, after which he earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University, with a major in US history. He then worked for General Motors in Manhattan before moving to Virginia where he worked for several years in government. Having always wanted to attend law school, he returned to New England to study law and graduated from Suffolk University Law School in Boston with a Juris Doctor degree.
Carl established his law practice in Vienna, Virginia where he stayed for the remainder of his 50-year career, earning a reputation as a leading family law attorney in Virginia. Carl was well-known in his community as a well-loved, charismatic person. He loved to engage people and was a great listener and talker. He dedicated his retirement years to Guardian Ad Litem work, working as a guardian for children.
Carl is survived by his wife, Tracie Horton, his daughter, Jenny Shervington (and husband, Scott), a brother, Rick Ohanesian (and wife, Sally) of Prescott, Arizona, a sister, Roxanne Rideout (and husband, Chris) of Newington Connecticut, step children, Chris, Ben, and his adopted daughter Alex, along with numerous other family members including grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a close found-family. He was predeceased by his father, Vernon Horton of Virginia, and mother, Louise Ohanesian of Connecticut.
Carl was a larger than life figure in the hearts and lives of his family and many friends, and he will be both dearly remembered and deeply missed.
An announcement will be made with memorial service details, in the near future.
Read MoreI just found out today that Carl passed away. I met him 20 years ago and he also helped me through a tough time in my life. After court was done, we stayed in touch here and there over the years. What a sense of humor he has! He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
Laila Moorefield
September 28, 2025 | Round Hill, VA
Carl became my lawyer and true friend 47 years ago. He was always available through a really tough time for me and my sons. And he remained a caring friend through all these years, helping us with so many other troubles. We are deeply grateful. We also know he must be at peace and telling wonderful jokes. Our deepest sympathy to all his family. Judy and Jerry White
Judy White
August 15, 2025 | Springfield, VA | Friend
I just belatedly learned of Carl's passing. Carl had a big heart. He always advocated passionately on behalf of those who were most disadvantaged in society. I had great respect for Carl's advocacy for those who needed a strong voice on their behalf. Carl was always civil and retained a good sense of humor. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
David Hirsch
August 13, 2025 | Reston, VA
So sorry to learn of Carl's passing. I recall him well from the 1980s in the Old Courthouse in Fairfax. A fine lawyer with a good sense of humor.
Steve Moriarty
July 28, 2025 | Fairfax, VA | Friend
I met Mr. Horton as a young Fairfax Police Officer almost 50 years ago. A true character and a great lawyer who always took the time to talk to me and to see how I was doing. I always enjoyed talking with Mr. Horton and laughing with him. Mr. Horton had a great sense of humor. I will always remember Mr. Horton as my friend who touched lots of individuals lives, including mine. Rest in peace my friend! You lived a great life and will be truly missed!
Brian Allman
July 17, 2025 | Ashburn, VA | Friend
When Carl was 17 years old, my husband was his minister. One evening when Carl was in the parsonage with a group of other church teenagers, he asked me how old I was. I said 25, and his reply was, "Oh my gosh, I didn't know you were that old!" I never let him forget that comment as he got older. Carl remained our dear friend through the years.
My husband of 69 years passed in January 2025 and I believe my husband and Carl are telling jokes & laughing together in heaven now!
Sally Bermudes
June 30, 2025 | Cambridge, MA | Friend
Carl Horton was one of the most wonderful people I ever met. As a clerk in the Circuit Court of Fairfax, I had the pleasure to see him often as he was filing paperwork. He always had a smile, was positive and friendly. Everyone liked him and often he brought a bag of candy to the counter for the clerks. Heaven gained an angel in our loss. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Deb Sterling
June 10, 2025 | Clifton, VA | Friend
Carl was one of my favorite people. For 17 years, he was my landlord as I established my own law practice. We frequently told each other jokes and Carl could tell jokes for hours! A truly wonderful, caring man! He will be very much missed.
Janice Garlitz
May 29, 2025 | ALDIE, VA | Friend
We met Carl and Tracie in March of 2024. We were aboard the Ruby Princess on a Caribbean cruise, and they were seated next to us each evening at dinner. We very much enjoyed our daily conversations, as they were both friendly, easy-going, knowledgeable, and fun to get along with. Carl specifically would often mention how much he enjoyed the celebration of his 80th birthday with Tracie, and his family. We extend our sincere condolences to Tracie and Carl's family.
Jim & Donna Kiehlmeier
May 10, 2025 | Lyman, SC | Acquaintance
