Jesse Hornick

Jesse Allan Hornick, 78, of Downsville, New York and Ocala, Florida, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021 in the ICU of Garnet Health Medical Center in Harris, N.Y.  His wife, Susan F. Hornick, nee Stegmuller, was at his bedside throughout his ordeal.

Born on April 14, 1943 in Ida May, West Virginia.  He was the son of his late parents, Ebert Gilbert Hornick and Mary Alice DeBerry.

Jesse was very enterprising at a young age.  He worked as a paper delivery boy, a butcher’s assistant hauling huge sides of beef, and a golf caddy, carrying a golf bag on each shoulder for a full eighteen holes.  This work was done to financially assist his mother with whom he moved to Tarrytown, N.Y. as a teenager.

At the age of seventeen, his mother signed him into the United States Marine Corps.  He proudly served from 1960 to 1965.  He had a collection of hats that he took turns wearing.  A particular favorite was “USMC Never Retire: Always a Marine.”  Seeing this hat prompted people to say, “Thank you for your service.”

Jesse had an illustrious career in real estate management.  At first, he managed a huge complex of apartments in Rego Park, Queens, N.Y.  Next, he moved to Manhattan, N.Y.  He was one of the youngest resident managers to run an apartment building at 555 Park Avenue.  Also, he was the resident manager at 944 Fifth Avenue, between 75th and 76th streets in New York City.  One of his tenants included Veronica Tishman Dyker. After that he was the resident manager at 322 East 57th Street, New York City where one of his tenants was Marion Javits, the wife of Senator Javits.  Also, an art book dealer was in residence and was visited by Jacqueline Kennedy Onasis.  Finally, he was the Building Superintendent at 151 East 83rd Street, New York City where he was personally hired by the grandson of Admiral Halsey, Sheffield Halsey.  One of his well-known tenants there was Elliot Arnold, author of the Broken Arrow series.  Another tenant was Angelita Marshall, an opera star who sang for several Presidents.  Her portrait was exhibited in Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California.

Jesse evidenced a dynamism of persona that mesmerized his illustrious tenants and visitors.  His care and concern for, and safety of his tenants, was foremost in his heart.

While working in that capacity, he was a long time member of the New York Building Managers Association.  He held such titles as Sergeant at Arms.  Also, he was the chairman of the Mike Balsar Grey Ladies Committee, where he served snacks to a ward of patients at Goldwater Memorial Hospital on Roosevelt Island, N.Y.  He worked with a Red Cross worker Peggy Hyland.  Most prominently, he was named Building Manager of the Year during his career.

On July 20, 1974 he married Susan F. Stegmuller.  They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on July 20, 2021.  Their mutual devotion to each other was the basis of a wonderful marriage.  Her outstanding career is documented in Who’s Who in America, originally, in the year 2000, and several other publications.  She received their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.  Jesse was proud of Susan’s career achievements.

Jesse and Susan were devotees of the outdoors.  They went on numerous excursions towing a 1959 Shasta house trailer. Jesse’s handle was the trailblazer.  Once of their best adventures was driving to Alaska in eight days from Downsville, NY.

He adored fishing, both inland and ocean fishing.  He also loved skin diving and spear fishing for grouper and lobster.  While in Alaska he caught a doormat halibut.  He also caught salmon there and in San Francisco, California. He has fished in all major seaports in the United States, including San Diago, California; New Port, Oregon; Westport, Washington; and the Florida Keys.

He had all kinds of rods, reels, fishing poles and lures, including a net to catch the fish.  He owned his own yacht called the “Adastra” per ardua ad astra, or “by toil to the stars,” and he “bloody well did!”

He also, was a loyal member of the Downsville Lyon’s Club from 2004 until October 4, 2021.  He was sponsored by Judge Fonda.  During the annual Maple Leaf Festival, Jesse collected the money for hotdogs and beverages that were sold by Sonny (Harold) Mattson and Barry Jones.

They also loved attending the New York Building Managers Association Grand Balls over the years.  They were held at New York City’s top hotels where dining and dancing were enjoyed by all.  In more recent years, Jesse and Susan went on numerous cruises.

Jesse Allan Hornick was “bigger than life.” He always evidenced a brace, take charge attitude, and was successful in everything he did.  He is irreplaceable!

Jesse is survived by his wife Susan whom he will always be loved and sorely missed.  He is also survived by his niece-in-law, Florence Stegmuller Blase and her children: Corrine, Christian and Dillon.  Additionally, he is survived by his nephew-in-law, Alan John Stegmuller, Jr. and his wife Suzette and their children: Christopher and Alexa.  Besides this, he has numerous cousins in West Virginia, including Lois Shea.  Jesse was predeceased by both of his parents and his in-laws; including his sister-in-law, Judith A. Scott and brother-in-law Albert Scott.  Also, he was predeceased by his beloved father-in-law: August G. Stegmuller.

The funeral service for Jesse Allan Hornick will be held on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Avenue, Roscoe, NY 12776.

The funeral collation will be held at The Olde Schoolhouse Restaurant in Downsville, NY immediately following the funeral service.

It is the funeral home policy to wear a mask.

Flowers are acceptable.  However, those opting to do so, may make a contribution in Jesse’s memory to the American Heart Association.

The burial of Jesse’s urn will take place at a later date at the family plot in Queens, NY.