Edwin H. Horning, 88, a longtime resident of Fishers Island, NY, and convalescing in Beechwood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2008, at Beechwood. Born on September 24, 1919, in Ellicottville, NY, he was the son of Erwin and Martha (Boyce) Horning. A graduate of Cornell University, Ed later attended Columbia University Teachers College, where he attained a master’s degree in teaching and met his beloved wife, Katherine, whom he married on July 18, 1946, and who predeceased him in 2006.
During World War II, Ed proudly joined and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed in England where he was a weather forecaster. Ed was well known in his capacity as teacher at the Fishers Island School and curator of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum. His love of nature was an inspiration to all who were in contact with him. Ed was also known for his many years with the Fishers Island movie theater. Ed was an active member of the American Legion and Union Chapel, both in which he had served several positions over the years.
Ed is survived by a sister, Elaine Lulas of Collins, NY; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Horning of Worcester, MA, a son and daughter-in-law, George and Nirapa Horning of Fishers Island, a daughter and son-in-law, Martha Horning and David Siber of Poughkeepsie, NY, a daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and David Greenberg of Winchester, MA; seven grandchildren, Katherine Pearson and her husband, Kris, Sarah Horning, Laura Casselius and her husband, Fred, Benjamin Horning, Amy Horning, Nathan Greenberg, and Rebecca Greenberg; two great-grandchildren, Griffin Casselius and Isabel Pearson; and many friends.
In addition to his wife, Ed was predeceased by his son, Edwin Horning Jr., and his brothers, Alfred and Herbert. Memorial services was held at 12:30 on Saturday, September 20, 2008, at the Union Chapel and will be followed by a reception at the Henry L. Ferguson Museum. For those who wish, and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Henry L. Ferguson Museum or Union Chapel.
