The Life of Horace R. Hosbach
Horace R. Hosbach, Jr. who turned 95 on January 27, 2018 passed away at the Sterling nursing home in Media on March 27, 2018.
Horace was a long time resident of Morton, PA. He was predeceased by two brothers Donald, Norman and two sisters Irma (Stalte) and Grace. Horace was married to Joan McGinley for 46 years before her passing in 1992. Together they had three children, John Hosbach (Linda) of Ridley Park, Karl Hosbach (Sandra) of Ridley Park and Karen Silverstein (Dr. Howard) of Boca Raton Florida. Horace has eight grandchildren, Derek Adams, John Hosbach (Colleen), Karl Hosbach (Christina), Brad Hosbach (Erin), Kristin O’Brien (Bill), Ryan Hosbach (Ricia), Evan Hosbach (Sheri) and Jodi Piccoli (Adam) along with six great-grandchildren Morgan, John, Aiden, Shane, Ben, and Olive. A special note of thanks to his grandson Derek Adams and his niece Grace Stalte for the loving care they provided him over the past two years.
When WWll broke out he enlisted in the Army Air Force. He was a waist gunner on a B17 bomber that had a crew of ten. On Feb 28th, 1944 while on a bombing mission over German occupied France his plane was hit by enemy fire and split in two. Only him and one other crew member survived by parachuting out of the spiraling plane. They were both immediately captured by German soldiers and sent to prisoner of war camps until the end of the war. As a POW he survived an 80 day forced march walking over 475 miles. The treatment on this march was so harsh it was later declared a war crime.
After the war he went to work for Bell of Pa and held various craft and managerial positions before retiring in 1986. After retirement he did a lot of volunteer work giving back to the community.
Horace’s greatest pleasure was spending time with his family. He had so many interests. He enjoyed wood working, gardening, hunting, traveling, fishing, camping, hiking and trips to Ocean City NJ. At the request of our Dad there will be no traditional service and burial will be private.
He asked that if you
wanted to make donations, please do so to the Salvation Army, 1320 Arch St., Phila. PA 19107