John Philip Horton

John Philip Horton’s Story

July 26, 1991- January 21, 2026

John, at age 34, passed away, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a life marked by service, resilience, curiosity, and a quiet determination that inspired everyone who knew him.

Born on July 26, 1991, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, John spent his early childhood there until age three, when his family moved to São Paulo, Brazil. From August 1994 through December 2000, he embraced life in Brazil, an experience that broadened his worldview and shaped his appreciation for different cultures. In 2001, he and his family settled in Somerville, New Jersey, the community that would remain his home base throughout his life.

John was a proud graduate of Van Derveer Elementary School, Somerville Middle School, and Somerville High School. During his high school years, he worked as a lifeguard at the Somerville YMCA. He had a reputation for being easy-going and likable, and was especially dear to many of the older patrons of the pool. While attending Middlesex Community College, where he earned his associate degree in Criminal Justice, he worked at Laurel Circle Retirement Community. He had a natural gift for connecting with seniors; patient, kind, and genuinely interested in their stories. That work brought him joy and revealed a deep compassion that stayed with him throughout his life.

While studying at Middlesex Community College, John enlisted in the New Jersey Army National Guard. His commitment to service reflected his character—steady, responsible, and always willing to step forward when others needed him.

John also had a deep love of travel. He traveled to Brazil many times and remained close to his large family there. During his college years, he spent one semester working for a family in Hamburg, Germany. He visited his aunt and her family while there and managed to travel in Europe as well. He was especially proud of having a meal at the top of the Eiffel Tower. In 2015, he traveled to China, visiting Beijing, Xi'an (to see the Terra Cotta Warriors), and Hong Kong. Even though he was already diagnosed with IPF, he managed to climb the Great Wall of China. Other destinations included Poland, Italy, Ireland, and England. Exploring new places brought him joy and allowed him to connect with people and cultures far beyond his own.

He continued his education at Jersey City University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis, John received a single-lung transplant at New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Medical Center in 2019.

After the transplant, John moved to Tavares, Florida, where he worked for the Department of Corrections with professionalism and a strong sense of duty.

Unfortunately, his health declined, and in May 2023, he received a second transplant, this time a double-lung.

Even while undergoing intensive medical care, John continued to give of himself. He worked part-time for EIHAB Human Services in East Brunswick, NJ, supporting adults with developmental challenges. He loved the work, and the staff and clients loved him in return.

In 2025, John moved into his own apartment in Somerset, New Jersey, a step that reflected his independence, determination, and desire to keep building a life filled with purpose despite ongoing health challenges.

John’s greatest attributes were his unwavering belief in never giving up and his remarkable sense of humor. He lived each day to the fullest, meeting challenges with a blend of determination and lightheartedness that lifted the spirits of those around him. Through every step of the transplants and treatments, he faced his journey with Strength, Faith, and Courage.

John is survived by his loving family: his mother, Luciane Horton; his father, James Horton; his stepfather, Hank Schwab; his stepmother, Christine Davis; his sister, Caroline Horton and her husband, David Minsky; his brother, Matthew Horton and his wife, Danielle Ciufo; his stepbrother Kenneth Davis; and stepsister, Nichole DiSalvo and her husband Steven DiSalvo. He was a proud and devoted uncle to Gabriela Minsky, age 6, and Tobias Minsky, age 3, who brought light and joy into his life, and to his step-nieces Katie Davis and Chloe Davis.

John’s life was shaped by compassion, service, curiosity, humor, and an unbreakable will to keep going. His global upbringing, academic dedication, and gentle spirit made him someone who connected easily with others and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

His memory will live on in the stories shared, the love he gave, and the lives he touched.

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To advance research and support for those affected by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), we invite you to contribute to the IPF Foundation in John Philip's memory. Every donation helps accelerate progress towards a cure and provides vital assistance to patients and their families.Please consider making a gift here: IPF Foundation

Thank you for your support and for helping us continue John Philip's legacy.