John 'Fuzzy' Horvath

John A. "Fuzzy" Horvath, 97, of Lorain, died Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Anchor Lodge Nursing Home after a short illness. John was born April 1, 1917 in Lorain where he has been a life long resident. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during WWII. John worked for American Ship as a boilermaker and lead carpenter for over 35 years retiring in 1980. He was a charter member of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Lorain where he had a respect for the sisters of the Parish because they would join in and play baseball with him. This lead him to take sister Arcadius's name when it was time for confirmation. He was also a member of the VFW and enjoyed golfing and traveling. However, his true passion starting at a young age was baseball. He played baseball in the Army, once going 39 innings straight before hitting the winning run. He developed into a promising pitcher, making headlines in the Class A Division. Playing for the Broadway Radio Team in his first league start, he pitched a record 16 strike outs against IWO in an 8-0 victory. Fuzzy had plans to try for the Majors, but he set aside this dream to willingly serve his country with the Third Armored Division during WWII. He is survived by his sister, Elsie McKinnon of Lorain; a niece; and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Horvath in 1997; parents, John and Rose (nee Pongracz) Horvath; brother, William "Beef" Horvath; sister, Irene Thomas; and 2 nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 16, 2014 from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am at the Dombrowski-Riddle Funeral Home, 1939 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Richard Hudak will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain, where the Lorain V.F.W. Post #451, and American Legion Post #30 will conduct military honors. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Michael Thomas Scholarship Fund, 1305 E. Erie Av., Lorain, OH 44052.