Stephen Andrew Horvath Jr.

1924 - 2014

Stephen Andrew Horvath Jr., 90, a heroic World War II veteran, was called home to the comfort of the Lord on Thursday Nov. 6, 2014. He was surrounded by family and under the wonderful care of Fairwinds at Sandcreek and One Source Hospice staff.

Born Jan. 29, 1924, in Flemington, N.J., to Steven and Veronica Horvath, he was the youngest of their three children and truly a member of the world's greatest generation. He attended school in Flemington, and when World War II broke out, he joined the U.S. Navy. He experienced heavy combat for three years serving aboard the USS Pioneer AM-105, a mine sweeper in both the European and Pacific theaters.

On Nov. 26, 1943, he and the USS Pioneer were members of the largest sea rescue in U.S. History. While with a convoy of ships through the Mediterranean Sea, one of the ships in the convoy, the SS Rhona, was hit and sunk by enemy fire. With much heroism and bravery, Steve and his shipmates rescued 606 Rhona sailors from the dark waters to safety on the USS Pioneer. His strong belief in service to his country and heroism are some of the greatest lessons that Stephen leaves as a legacy for his family. His service in the U.S. Navy was the source of many of Steve's most cherished stories.

On Aug. 21, 1948, Steve married Maryann Fanarjian. Together, they had two boys and opened a floral shop, Horvath Florist. They successfully operated it and later, SoHo Feeds for 30 years. During this time, Stephen served his community as a township committeeman and then mayor of Raritan Township, N.J. In 1985, the Horvaths sold their business and retired.

They enjoyed nearly 30 years of retirement initially in Florida, until they were in the direct path of hurricane Charlie, after which they came to Idaho. During his retirement, Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army were both important causes to Stephen and he donated a large amount of time to delivering meals and offering service to others.

Stephen made many a friend on the golf course and out fishing. He was an avid golfer until age 87 and had two hole-in-ones. He also enjoyed playing pool with his friends while at Fairwinds.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Maryann; his parents, Stephen and Veronica; and his older brother, Johnny.

He is survived by his loving sister, Golden Robinson of Monrovia, Md.; his two sons, Dennis (Connie) Horvath of Ammon and Stephen (Kathy) Horvath of Pittsburgh, Pa.; four grandchildren, Dawn (Chris) Tarabochia, Brent (Sierra) Horvath, Stephen Horvath IV and Amy (Jason) Pitkins; and nine great-grandchildren, Amber, Branden, Clara, Ryan, Dylan, Sean, Max, Teegan and Keenan. He leaves a proud legacy of the Horvath name.

The family will meet with friends from noon to 2 p.m. today, Nov. 8, 2014, at the Fairwinds Sandcreek, 3310 Valencia Drive in Idaho Falls, for a celebration of life. Funeral services and military honors will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Flemington, N.J. at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Hawker Funeral Home in Blackfoot and Ford Funeral Home in Flemington.

For further information or to send condolences, please visit www.hawkerfuneralhome.com.