Worcester – James Horgan, 91, of Worcester, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2013.
James is survived by his wife, Shirley (nee Haggerty), and his younger brother, Francis (Frank) and wife Gertrude Horgan of Auburn. He is also survived by his children, a daughter, Maureen and husband Thomas Salmon of Worcester; his sons, Dr. James S. and wife Barbara of Carol Stream, Ill., Michael F. and wife Susan of Austin, Texas, and, John J. Horgan of Worcester; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Helen Noone and Elizabeth (Betty) Scavone.
James was a retired Shrewsbury High School mathematics teacher and a former Worcester firefighter. He served in the U.S. Navy as an aviator during both WWII and the Korean conflict. During WWII, he piloted several U.S. Naval carrier aircraft, including the Corsair, returning to service during the Korean conflict to fly the U.S. Navy's first functional carrier-based jet aircraft (F9F Panther) with tours of duty on three separate aircraft carriers.
James will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered and much loved by all surviving family and friends.
Visitation was held July 8 at the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home of Shrewsbury, followed by a funeral Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anne's Church of Shrewsbury. Internment with Military Honors will be conducted in the Garden of Honor at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Anne's Church in his name.
To leave a message of condolence for the family or view the Book of Memories, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
