Willard L. Horr

Willard Laverne Horr, 91, a long-time resident of Economy Borough, passed away peacefully with family at his side on May 14, 2024. Born on November 15, 1932, in Waynesburg, PA, Willard lived a long and active life, working hard but always managing to have fun along the way. He began his career as a short-haul truck driver and eventually became a successful small business owner first of an Amoco service station in Economy Borough and then Brighton Tire in New Brighton, which is still family-owned today. He was an exceptional pool player, rode Harleys until he was 82 years old, and had quite a green thumb. His vegetable garden produced ten times more than his family could consume alone, and he had great pride in giving his beloved tomatoes, green beans, broccoli, onions, lettuce, pumpkins, and peppers to his friends and neighbors. “The only reason I like vegetables,” his grandkids admit, “is because of Pap.” In 1954, Willard married the love of his life, Rosella (deceased), and with her by his side, they worked long hours as active partners in both their business ventures and their home life. Together, they raised their three children, Cindy, Jeffrey, and Sheldon (deceased) in Beaver County and instilled in them an ethics of hard work, good humor, and the importance of family. As their family grew, so did his love for them. He proudly boasted about the successes and accomplishments of not only his children, but his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We lost our most beloved dad. But there was so much more to him than just dad, though to us that was his greatest role. He was also a granddad, a great-granddad, a brother, an uncle, and a good friend. He had a wonderful way of ingratiating himself and having a meaningful impact on so many.  Willard liked people. He was a good storyteller with a great sense of humor. Willard was predeceased by his loving wife Rosella of 66 years and by his youngest son Sheldon Harr. He is survived by his two children Cynthia Horr and Jeffrey (wife Mary) Harr, his daughter-in-law Marianne Harr, his 3 grandchildren Michael (wife Ondrea) Harr, Nathan (wife Samantha) Harr, and Sasha Harr, and by his 6 great-grandchildren Sage, Micah, Malaki, Isla, Eveleigh, and Archer.  Family and Friends will be received Friday, May 17, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM, in the Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street Ambridge, 724-266-2549., where a service will be held at 5:00 PM at the funeral home.  We appreciate your patience and understanding.  Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

We will miss you dear “Pap”.  May you rest in peace.