On July 2, Ronald F. Horn died peacefully surrounded by his family. Born on October 2, 1938 with developmental disabilities he lived a full and meaningful life. He inspired his mother Margaret Horn to be a founding organizer of the Lebanon County Workshop and he became the Workshop’s first client. After leaving the Workshop, he worked at the Lebanon Daily News, Hills Department Store, Hershey’s Palmyra packing plant, Cedar Haven, and retired at age 78 as a longtime volunteer in the Good Samaritan Hospital kitchen.
He enjoyed smoking his pipe, watching movies regularly from the front row of the theater, and visiting his relatives and vacationing with them at the Delaware shore. At home, he always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress and enjoyed reading comic books and the local newspaper. In his younger days he could be seen everywhere and anywhere in town riding his bike or walking. Recently he could be found almost every morning enjoying a leisurely friendly breakfast at Deracos.
He was a barometer of goodness in others and brought forth the better angels of those he met if possible. With his warm and engaging personality he gave more than he got to those who watched over him. Every Sunday, he faithfully attended church, most recently attending St. Mary’s and the Calvary Chapel; he would earnestly pray daily for those he knew were in need.
In his final hours he gave comfort to his family by recounting old stories, reciting his favorite comedy sketch “Who’s on First” by Abbott and Costello, and singing his favorite songs from musicals, his most favorite being the “Sound of Music.” He told all that he loved them and called in the nurses and doctors to thank them for their care.
The family would like to thank the extended family of people who supported and loved Ronnie; the tremendous compassion and kindness they gave to him will always be remembered.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his father, George M. Horn, and mother Margaret Horn; sister Theresa Peffley and brother-in-law John Peffley, brother George (Gidge) M. Horn Jr., brother Michael Horn and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Libby) Horn, brother-in-law Brian Kildee and brother Martin Horn. He is survived by his sister Gertrude (Dolly) Kildee, brother John Horn and sister-in-law Ada Horn, sister Anita Horn and brother-in-law Jim Quinn, and sister-in-law Jeanette Horn and 13 nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Friday July 14 at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 2 North 8th Street, Lebanon. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. from St. Mary’s Church. Interment at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley (https://www.ddslebanon.org/donate/) and Community Homes of Lebanon Valley (https://communityhomespa.org/support-us-volunteer-donate/).
