Paul E. Horrox

Paul E. Horrox (age 68) of Morton, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. A dedicated husband, father, and “grandad,” Paul was a humble and compassionate family man with a zest for life and human connection who always made time to help others.

Paul was born on June 7, 1954, to parents Richard and Joyce Horrox and spent his childhood in Essington, PA, with siblings Diane Gaul and John Horrox, cousin Lee Grimes, and best friend Brian Henry. He was a quiet, mild-mannered kid who loved reading, played trumpet, and did well in school, though he sometimes shared stories of his mischievous side—jumping trains and skipping class to go bowling. He graduated from Interboro High School and worked a few odd jobs at Dobbs House and Westinghouse in Tinicum township before being presented with an opportunity that would become his lifelong career.

In 1987, he became part-owner of General Aire Systems, Inc., a distribution company dedicated to providing solutions in HVAC and specialty air filtration. As Director of Sales, he helped train the sales force and managed high-profile customers, such as Pennsylvania Hospital, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dupont, and Merck & Co., Inc. He spoke about his work with passion, great pride, and a collective spirit, always shying away from the spotlight.

Paul believed in work-life balance and juggled both. He and his wife Donna, married 30 years, were heavily involved in their children’s schooling and together attended activities, chaperoned class trips, and helped wherever needed. They volunteered their time and talents to their school/church community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Morton, PA. Paul even lent his business savvy to the school board for a brief term.

A man of faith with an eternally optimistic outlook on life, he believed in doing your best, seizing the day, and “living a little.” Family tradition and an innate sense of adventure led Paul on regular trips to upstate Pennsylvania during deer and turkey hunting seasons. He loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, especially his red “Road King,” and reveled in memories riding through the Grand Canyon and Death Valley. He fell in love with the Western United States and in 2010 insisted on taking his family on a week-long trip rafting down the Green River in Moab, Utah. He even took the oars when given the opportunity and nearly steered the raft into an eddy!

A history buff and natural teacher, Paul lit up as he shared background knowledge with family on many sightseeing tours and while helping his kids with their history homework. He enjoyed going out to dinner in the city and attending a concert or theater performance. Although he was spontaneous and always up for an adventure, Paul was also content just hanging out, grilling on the back deck, playing with the kids, and catching up with neighbors. He loved the beach and spent many vacations on the Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey shores. In retirement, Paul enjoyed a vacation home in Cape Charles, Virginia, riding his golf cart and taking in beautiful sunsets over the Chesapeake Bay with Donna and kids by his side. An easy-going conversationalist, he often reminded people, especially his kids, not to “sweat the small stuff” because “things would eventually work out.” Paul was a kind and thoughtful man who will be missed and remembered by the many lives he touched.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Joyce (Slade) Horrox. He is survived by two siblings, Diane Gaul and John Horrox; his loving wife of 30 years, Donna (Lucchesi) Horrox; four children, Jennifer Shaut (Jim), Angela Saba (Paul), Allyson Horrox, and Andrew Horrox; and three grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Viewing on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 6-8pm at the Knoetgen-Donohue Funeral Home, 746 Kedron Ave, Morton, PA 19070, and Funeral Mass Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:30am (additional visitation 10-11:15am) at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 2130 Franklin Ave, Morton, PA 19070.

Interment Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken, PA. A luncheon will be held following services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org).