Bernard Nicholas Horak

Bernard Nicholas Ben Horak 1915 -- 2011 Ben Horak was called home to live with the Lord on Monday, January 24, 2011. He was 95 and the head of 5 living family generations. Ben was born in West Orange, New Jersey and lived most of his life on Long Island and in Syracuse, New York where he excelled as a master sheet metal worker, both within the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 58 and in his own business, G&H Sheet Metal. Most recently Ben lived in Yucaipa, California where he was a member of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Catholic Church. Ben is preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Elaine L. (Martineau) Horak, his loving companion of 18 years Marie Gebhardt, two Brothers, Joseph Horak and John Crochiere, and his Granddaughter, Deborah M. Debbie Cromwell. Mr. Horak is survived by a Daughter, Monica M. Nolan of Gulf Breeze, FL; 2 Sons, Bernard N. Bernie Horak, Jr. of Yucaipa, CA; Russell (Patricia) W. Oakes of Syracuse, NY; a Sister, Mary E. Hrabak of Islip Terrace, NY; and 4 Grandchildren: Kevin M. Cromwell, Susan L. (Cromwell) Slaton, Heather Oakes, and Sean Oakes. Ben s surviving 7 Great Grandchildren are K. Michael Cromwell, Jr., Michelle (Cromwell) Cotton, Amanda (Cromwell) Hayes, David C. Burson, Monica A. Burson, Johnathan E. Burson, and Braydon Lewis. His 6 surviving Great, Great Grandchildren include: Samantha Cromwell, Brayden Cromwell, Gavin Cotton, Kyler Hayes, Ryann Burson, and Cole Files. Ben is also survived by numerous, loving nieces and nephews in New York, Florida, and New England. Besides having constructed his own home in Syracuse, Ben also built a sportsman s camp in Orwell, NY where he, his family, and friends spent many enjoyable hours, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Ben also loved reading, drawing, snapshot collecting, wood-carving, gardening, and music. He especially enjoyed playing a variety of musical instruments, including the accordion and a vast array of harmonicas. Besides his great generosity and kindness, another of Ben s most lovable and unforgettable traits was his never-failing sense of humor and the obvious fun he had making others laugh, especially the children whom he loved so dearly. The family of Ben Horak extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the dedicated and professional staff at the Yucaipa Valley Board and Care for their sincere compassion, kindness, and loving companionship provided to Mr. Horak during his final month. A funeral Mass for Ben will be offered by the Rev. Neal Quartier at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 with Committal of his cremains immediately following in St. Mary s Cemetery Mausoleum, Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ben Horak s honor and beloved memory to the St. Jude Children s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN or to Fr. Champlin s Guardian Angel Society, Syracuse, NY.