Raymond Horner

Obituary of Raymond Eugene Horner

Raymond Eugene Horner, Sr., age 70, currently of Ilion and formerly of Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 11, 2022, in the privacy and comfort of the Abraham House in Utica. Born in Herkimer on September 23, 1951, Raymond was the son of the late Jesse and Evelyn (Tyson) Horner. He was raised locally and throughout the years he worked for various newspaper outlets as a courier. In 2018, Ray’s life led him out to the State of Wyoming where he began a two week vacation visiting Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Teton Mountains, the Thermopolis Hot Springs and the Bighorn Mountains. He absolutely fell in love with the area and within a couple of months, Ray made the move west. Soon, Ray had an apartment lined up near the Senior Center and he easily made friends; especially enjoying his Friday night Texas Hold’em crew. He could never get enough chocolate and his friend, Trudy Zaffarano, treated him to her baked goods regularly. And although he wasn’t a fan of fancy meals, he developed a taste for elk steak and stuffed peppers! Along the way, Ray visited Pahaska Tepee with his friends and was excited to meet Buffalo Bill’s grandson! He loved to fish and sit along the side creek and all of his friends in Wyoming agreed he was a kind soul. Ray’s second family out west was blessed to spend these last few years with him, but were happy when Ray finally came back home to New York to spend his last months with his family. He is survived by his daughter, Monica Conklin of Ilion; his son, Raymond Horner, Jr. and wife, Deborah; his grandchildren, GennaLeigh and her husband Andrew, Alexander, Justin, Brandon, Geran, Zachary and Ethan; his great-grandchildren, Caylus, JJ, Colton, Riley and Cora; his sister, Sherry Loomis and husband, Earl; and his brother, Gary Horner. He also leaves many friends, with special mention of Emanuel Charles and Trudy Zaffarano, Linda Ulin, Wanda Horner and Dan Kane. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Ray on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at the Ilion/Frankfort VFW Post #502, 4274 Acme Road, Frankfort, NY 13340, where we will share food, drink and memories! Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Raymond's memory please consider Abraham House 1203 Kemble St. Utica, NY 13501. Ray’s final arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion (315) 894-8000, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.
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