Date of Birth: June 06, 1942

Date of Death: January 25, 2023

George John Horvath, 80, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away January 25 after a brief illness. John, as he was known to his friends, was born June 6, 1942 in Munroe Falls, Ohio to Alice Mae Parcher and George Horvath. From 1963 to 1967, John served as a cartographer in the Air Force. The next year he graduated from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, majoring in Mathematics. He received his Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the State University of New York at Albany in 1970. John was employed as a Mental Health Counselor at Hudson River Psychiatric Center for 24 years and at Maricopa Integrated Health Systems until 2002. Being a great planner and lifelong learner, he renewed his Arizona State license with the American Counseling Association just a couple of weeks ago, “just in case I have to go back to work.” John was a rail enthusiast with an encyclopedic knowledge of 19th century American steam locomotives. He had a popular YouTube channel for railfans under his name. John was also known for his love of bicycling, completing many long-distance cycling tours. He reported on his early morning, daily bike excursions on Facebook noting weather, speed and even the placement of planets sighted! John was a history buff, great debater and music lover, with a particular fondness for the ASU Chamber Orchestra. He was also an avid hiker and outdoorsman. John had myriad friends and was known for his kindness, intelligence, generosity, and wry sense of humor. John belonged to the Larkspur Christian Church and like his father, George, was previously an Elder Emeritus at the First Christian Church in Glendale. He was on the City of Glendale Bicycle Committee and was a Board member of Manistee Manor, a residential community for low income seniors. John is survived by his brother Wayne, living in Enshi, China; his two beloved sons Bryce and Ian Horvath, both of Phoenix, Ian’s fiancée Dr. Sarah Jones and the pride and joy of his life his three grandchildren; Nelson, 19; Gauge, 17 and Vera, 13. A celebration of John’s life will take place Saturday, February 4 at 10 am at Larkspur Christian Church at 10614 N. 43rd Ave in Glendale. The service will be officiated by Pastors Jan Turlock and Kega Nasios. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Larkspur Christian Church, or Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad dedicated to the preservation of railroad history.

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