Nelson "Sonny" Horwath

Nelson "Sonny" Horwath, 83, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. Nelson was born in Newark, N.J. and was raised in Northeastern Pennsylvania by his loving grandparents, aunts and uncles. Nelson worked on his family's farm until he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his military service, he continued his civil service in New York, serving 20 years on the City of Newburgh Fire Department.

Upon retirement, Nelson married his adoring wife Mary Horwath and relocated to NEPA where he would bask in his love of nature with his friends in the "Lost Time Sports Club" and indulge in activities like hunting, fishing and his favorite past time - golf.

Nelson will be remembered most for his commitment to building bonds wherever he found himself in his life. Be it his outlandish backyard parties, protesting on behalf of his fellow heroes for better pay or showing his grandson how to swing a golf club.

In addition to his wife Mary, Nelson is survived by his daughters Lynn Corti (Bill); and Lisa DeGrave (Mike); stepdaughter, Tina Townsend (Todd); stepson, David Lundy; grandsons, Jamie Wood, Douglass Baker, Michael Corti, Jarrett Baker and Eric Corti; step-grandchildren, Donald Murray and Rachael Paterson; and great-granddaughters, Idalia, Olivia and Etta. Nelson is also survived by many dear friends, his grandson Jamie's father, James Wood; friend, Buddy Lynn; his golfing buddies; and his fellow firefighters. In addition, after nearly 80 years of searching, Nelson was finally able to locate his paternal family, the Ostroms, and had the pleasure of connecting with them and learning about his ancestors before his passing.

Nelson was predeceased by his oldest, and favorite, daughter Lori Walsh Horwath; and his step-grandson, William Paterson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Bravehearts, an organization co-founded by his daughter Lori and one he always proudly supported. Donations can be made to Camp Bravehearts, 19 Cambridge Road, Albany, NY 12203.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 7768 Blue Ridge Trail, Mountain Top. Interment immediately following in the congregation's cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Monday morning in the church. McCune Funeral Service Inc. is assisting the family with the arrangements.