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John Horan Obituary
Mr. Horan died Jan. 22 of natural causes in a hospital in Princeton, Ron Rogers, a spokesman for the company, said today Tuesday in a telephone interview.
During Mr. Horan's tenure, |Merck's success with new antibiotics, a hepatitis B vaccine and drugs to treat high blood pressure helped the company edge rivals to become the biggest drug maker. Merck later lost the title to New York-based Pfizer Inc., which expanded through acquisitions.
Mr. Horan also worked with |the U.S. government on humanitarian efforts, including research that led to the development of a medicine to prevent and treat the tropical disease known as river blindness.
Mr. Horan joined Merck's legal department in 1952 and rose |to become general counsel, director of public relations, director of research, and head of corporate planning before becoming CEO for the Whitehouse Station-based drug maker. It's a similar path to that followed by Kenneth Frazier, the current CEO who took charge on Jan. 1.
Mr. Horan served in the U.S. Navy amphibious forces from 1942 to 1946. He fought in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. He helped deliver the order that led to the launch of the Normandy invasion, the largest amphibious operation in history, Merck said.
Mr. Horan, of Sea Girt, is survived by his wife of 66 years, Julia Fitzgerald, four children and nine grandchildren.
Memories and Condolences
for John Horan
6 Entries
Kathleen Valerio
January 29, 2011
We are so very sorry to learn of your loss.
Uncle Jack was a delightful person to come to know as a child visiting Staten Island. Such fond memories of a time so long ago.
With regrets, we were unable to travel to honor Uncle Jack and family due to the snow. We are keeping you all in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Kathleen Valerio & Family and the Cooke/Horan Family, Long Island
John & Patti Adams
January 26, 2011
Our Sympathies to the Horan Family for their loss. We're sure he will be greatly missed.
John & Patti Adams
Jason Pavlovich
January 26, 2011
Uncle Jack was always a role model and inspiration to me growing up, and will be sorely missed by all. He clearly understood honor, responsibility, & achieved greatness in many forms. Most important of which a loving a devoted family. The world was truly a more gracious place with him in it. My mother also always treasured her relationship with Aunt Julie & Uncle Jack, and I know she would grieve strongly with the rest of us.
Our prayers are certainly with the Horans and all family at this time.
Much Love, Jason, Leah, John & Garrett (Pavlovich Family)
Bob & Nancy Pongrac
January 26, 2011
John will be missed as a dear neighbor and friend !!
Nancy & Bob Pongrac
Sea Girt, NJ & Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Linda & Byron Roe (retired Merck employees)
January 26, 2011
Our sympathies to the entire Horan family. Mr. Horan was a true gentleman and a wonderful human being as well as an excellent leader. His executive leadership at Merck is a shining example of what a corporate leader should do: take actions that are best for the company without consideration of one's own gain confident that if the company does well all the employees will do well. He was missed when he retired and we know he will be deeply missed by his family.
You are in our thoughts at this very difficult time.
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
January 26, 2011
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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