John E. Hornyak

John  E. Hornyak, 92, of Girard, passed away on Saturday June 16, 2018 at Pleasant Ridge Manor.  
  He was born in Newton Falls, OH,  March 12, 1926, a son of the late John and Anna (Surdenik) Hornyak. 
 As a young man, on March 11, 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS APL-42 in the South Pacific in World War 2. He was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal. Following his honorable discharge from the military, he began his own business, John E. Hornyak Bulldozing and in 1958 he started Elk Creek Contractors. Later in 1968 he began operations of Elk Creek Redi-Mix, located on Tannery Road in Girard and working until his retirement in 1987. 
  He was a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494 and also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), flying many hours over the West County area in his plane.  He loved to hunt and fish in the local streams and lakes while boating on Lake Erie.  John and his wife traveled throughout the US and visiting various air shows as they traveled.  
  John  is survived by his son, James  Hornyak (Nancy) of Girard; daughter, Elizabeth A. Morrison (Mike) of Fairview;  granddaughters, Emily Hornyak (Patrick Gehrlein), Kate Hammel (Brian), Morgan Gilmore (Nate); grandsons, Ryan Hornyak, Nicholas Hornyak (Kate), Clayton Hornyak (Jaclyn); nine great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  
  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth (Pennock) Hornyak; sisters, Anna Licsko, Theresa Wheeler, and Helen Holbus; also a brother, William Hornyak.
  Friends may call on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to the Time of a Prayer Service at 12 o'clock noon at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard, PA 16417.
  Burial with full military honors will take place in the St. John's Cemetery.
 Memorials may be made to Erie EAA, C/O North Coast Flight School, 1605 Asbury Rd., Erie, PA 16505
 To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com

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