Robert “Duane’” Horton of Peconic died May 13, 2022. He was 91 years old.
He was born to Albert and Ruth Horton. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean conflict where he became a crew chief and then a flight engineer.
After his service, he attended Buffalo State Teacher’s College and completed his masters degree at Hofstra University. He was the industrial arts teacher at Sachem High School and later became the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds for Sachem Central School District. After retiring he became a consultant project manager for Sachem, Hauppauge and Westhampton Beach school districts.
He was a member of the Southold American Legion and served on the honor guard and as post commander, taught 4-H clubs and served on the Southold School Board. His hobbies included boating, fishing, wood working, tinkering on engines, and especially hunting and snowmobiling with his friends.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ada Purdy, children Christopher (Colleen Kean) and Elaine (David Gardiner) and grandchildren Erin, Ryan, Emma, Robert and Rachel.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold, where funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. officiated by Rev. Peter Kelley. Graveside services will be held on Friday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Calverton National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Griswold Terry Glover Post 803 or the First Presbyterian Church Southold.
