Jospeh Horak

Joseph A. Horak Jr, 88, of Peterborough, passed away on April 12, 2017. He was born on January 10, 1929 in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of the late Joseph A Horak Sr. (father) and Evelyn Horak (mother). Joseph honorably served as a Technical Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, during the Second World War, and the Korean War. He was also a veteran of the United States Air National Guard. Joseph retired from his military life and moved towards a career of police work in 1957. Over the years, Joseph served in many different departments throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts, reaching high positions in almost every department. Joseph was Chief of Police in Northfield, Massachusetts, Hudson, New Hampshire, a Detective Lieutenant in Merrimack, New Hampshire, a United States Marshall, in the personal security of both President Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan during their presidencies, as well as an author of three novels. Josephs novels focused on his career, but mainly on a double murder that he had been working on for over 40 years. Joseph was proud to serve his towns, his state, his country, or really anyone who would ask for help. Joseph was a role model for many around him, and his stories will always be remembered by those who knew him. Joseph loved the outdoors, walking each and every day until he was 87. He enjoyed fishing, tending his lawn, spending time with friends and family, writing, and of course, John Wayne films. Joseph was a one of a kind man, always choosing to do the right thing, even if it meant severe danger for himself. Joseph enjoyed spending his later years at the Congregational Presbyterian Church in Henniker, New Hampshire, where he would often join in on potlucks, always trying to bring a pot of his famous beef stew. Joseph was predeceased by his wife, Joyce E. Horak, his two sons, Raymond J. Horak and Richard Walsh, his brothers, John Horak, and Roger Horak, and his twin sister, Barbara Horak. Joseph is survived by his loving grandchildren, Travis Horak, Whitney Horak, Richard Walsh Jr, and Jennifer Walsh. SERVICES: A Committal Service will be held by Phaneuf Funeral Home and Crematorium at the New Hampshire State Veteran's Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH, on Friday April 21, 2017, with military honors.