Joe Horch, 83, died 23rd May 2018 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY from respiratory complications due to pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by his children. A memorial service will be held at Jacobson’s Funeral Home in Huntington Station, NY on Saturday, June 2nd from 5-7pm. To honor him, In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Friends of the South Huntington Public Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Road, Huntington Station, NY 11746 631.549.4411.

A first generation American, Joe was the only child of Rosa and Konrad Horch of Maspeth. He was the first to go to college, earning a bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in electrical engineering. From his beginnings at IBM, researching early silicon transistors and integrated circuits, then serving at Wright Patterson Air Force Base conducting experiments in navigation, Joe moved his growing family with wife Kathleen to Long Island where he devoted almost 40 years to Sperry Rand developing various patented systems for the U.S submarine fleet.

As Joe earned his masters and became a professional engineer, Kay raised their 5 children. Summers were spent on family camping trips from Canada to Florida. Joe volunteered as the CYO president, soccer referee, Harbor Boating Club member, and offered computer instruction with the local senior net.

While conducting research at the Brooklyn Navy yard, he fostered a love of the open water. Despite his poor swimming skills, he was often found tinkering on his boat or eating chicken with his crew during the Thursday night sailing races in Huntington Harbor. In his retirement, the couple traveled with close friends and visited family. Joe and Kay watched soccer from the sidelines of their grandchildren’s games. Through many family projects, Joe bestowed important aspects of critical thinking to the Horch grandclan.

December 2018 would have been his 60th wedding anniversary. Joe is predeceased by his granddaughter Alissa. He is survived by his wife, 5 children and 15 grandchildren. Disclaimer: Joe would have granted exception and approved the use of pronouns in this piece.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc. Please visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.