Joseph A. HORTON Ph.D.

HORTON, Joseph A. Ph.D. Joseph A. Horton, Ph.D., 68, of Manchester died on May 7 after a long and painful struggle with cancer. Born in Queens' Village, New York, he was the son of Milton and Marie (Perin) Horton. He received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University in 1975. Joe's calling was always to reach out to others, as a priest for many years and as a clinical psychologist up to the time of his death. He was an inspirational preacher and public speaker. He cared deeply for his family and friends, as well as for those to whom he ministered in both the religious and secular settings. A storyteller by nature, he regaled others with his humorous accounts of his life experiences. At the same time, he reached out to those challenged in life: the homeless, the hopeless, the disabled, the anxious, the grieving. He had a particular love for young people and, in his own unique way, he helped so many. Joe truly enjoyed gourmet cooking, and a meal for a few was always enough to feed a multitude. He loved all kinds of ethnic food and dined at just about every ethnic restaurant he could find. His greatest joy was to join others in preparing the meal for the annual "Taste of Haiti" celebration at church. He loved flowers and his garden was always rich with multicolored roses, tulips, daffodils and lilies. Christmas lights were a must each year, as were wreaths in all the windows. Celebrations were just a part of life. And we can't forget his love of "all creatures great and small": his beautiful tropical fish and his much-loved Westies, Katie and Tara. Joe is survived by his wife, Roberta; his sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and David Orsmond, of Maine; his brother and sister-in-law, Wilfred and June Horton of Pennsylvania and his sister, Marie DeRosa, of California; as well as several nieces and nephews and their children. He also leaves his quasi "adoptive" family of many years, Dorothy and Andy Brindisi of Manchester, their children and grandchildren, and his many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick-St. Anthony Haitian Ministry, 235 Church Street, Hartford, CT in his name. A wake will be held at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street in Manchester on Tuesday May 11 from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 12 at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church Street in Hartford, CT. The burial will be at Valley Falls Cemetery in Vernon at 2 p.m. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.