Leo J. Hortch, AKA Leon J. Hortsch, 87, of York, PA passed away March 24, 2014 at Hanover Hall, York, PA. He was born August 9, 1926, on farm in Buckman, MN. He was the son of the late Frank Hortsch and the late Barbara Hortsch.
In September 1945 he enlisted in the Navy, served on various ships and stations, and most noteworthy was the Antarctica 1964-1965. Then he worked for The Weather Service, Upper Air Branch at various locations in the Washington, DC area until 1982. He had served at 24th & M Streets, NW Washington, DC while in the Navy, from 1949-1951 and again at this location with the Upper Air Branch 1965. This location was the Headquarters of the old Weather Bureau.
Noteworthy experience: In 1949 Leo ran into President Truman early one morning while the President was taking his early AM walk along Pennsylvania Avenue. Leo was transferring to a streetcar on his way to work.
In addition to his parents, Leo was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Faye E. Green Hortch, brother, Lambert Hortsch and grandson, Allen Harvey. He is survived by his sons, Charles Harvey (Janet), Gary Hortch (Mary), brothers, Lawrence Hortsch, Vern Hortsch, sister, Luella Marthaler, 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
He loved to fly, held a Private license and was working on his commercial license. While living at Shoreham Beach he was the Treasurer of their association for 19 years. He belonged to Knights of Columbus, 4th Dog and the Fleet Reserve Association. He was a past member of the US Meteorological Society.
The family will receive friends for a Leo's Visitation on Monday, March 31, 2014 from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, MD 20617. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Father Rory T. Conley officiating at the Church. Interment will follow at the Church cemetery. |