John T. Hordych Jr.

John T. Hordych Jr.

AGE: 87 • Middletown

John T. Hordych Jr., 87, of the Shadow Lake Village section of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011. John was born in Hackensack and lived most of his life in New Jersey. After leaving Seton Hall University to join the U.S. Army during World War II, he served in the 16th Field Artillery Observation Battalion in the European Theater. He was a "flash observer," picking up the flash of the German guns so the Allied artillery could zero in on them. In 1999, the 45th anniversary of D-Day, he received from the Diplome d'Honeur, an accommodation from the Federation of the French War Veterans, for participating in the liberation of France. In 2000, John was presented with the N.J. Distinguished Service Medal. After the service, John returned to college and went on to receive his Master's Degree. He worked for Freehold Township's Department of Parks and Recreation; Diocese of Rockville Center in Long Island, N.Y. and has been an executive of the Boys Scouts of America. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus McGivney Council 6392, the VFW #2179 and ROFC 4th degree 0647. In his spare time, he was involved in community theater programs such as Red Bank RTG Productions; Spring Lake's Pine Tree Players and Spring Lake Community Theater; performed with the South Street Players in Freehold; the First Avenue Players, Atlantic Highlands; and with the GB Productions in Old Bridge.

John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Anne E.; and his brother-in-law, James Brady of Monmouth Beach.

There are no visitation hours. A memorial mass will be celebrated on a date to be determined. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, was entrusted with his arrangements.