HORAN - John J. “Bud," December 24, 2013, life companion of Teresa Decot; dear brother of Sr. Barbara Horan, SSJ, Aileen M. (late Leo) Townsell, Esther M. (William) Rae, Patricia M. (late Weppner) Creighton, Michael P., DVM (Karen) Horan, David C. (Linda) Horan and the late Mary F. Roach, Anne M. O’Connor and Paul G. Horan; brother-in-law of Sally Horan; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call Thursday and Friday 4-7 PM at the PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd, Williamsville. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial from Christ the King R.C. Church, Saturday at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy, 325 Walden Ave, Buffalo 14211 or People, Inc., 1219 North Forrest, Williamsville, NY 14221.
John J. “Bud” Horan Jr., a retired executive of Rich Products Corp., died Tuesday in his Williamsville home. He was 88.
His career began at age 22 after the death of his father, John J. Horan Sr., the owner of Sparks Dairy, one of Buffalo’s largest dairies at the time in 1948. He left his studies at Niagara University to lead the business and, as second-oldest of 10 siblings, to provide for his family.
After operating the business successfully, he managed the sale of Sparks to Rich Dairies.
Mr. Horan joined Rich Products as purchasing director Jan. 1, 1967, and remained there until his retirement in March 1989.
He was part of the original team hired by the company’s founder, Robert Rich Sr., said Maureen Hurley, Rich’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer.
“Bud was a face-to-face, authentic ambassador of Rich’s who built trusting relationships with all of our suppliers, all over the country,” Hurley said.
Mr. Horan was regarded as a role model for his integrity, patience and ability to represent Rich’s as if he were a member of the family, she added, and he was appreciated for his devotion to the company and ability to reach the best deal for the best ingredients.
As provider, caretaker and leader of a large extended family, Mr. Horan was known as “Uncle Bud” to dozens of nephews and nieces, to their children and to many friends, as well. Quick to assist anyone in need, his was a “lead-by-example approach,” said his youngest brother, David Horan.
Born in Buffalo, Mr. Horan was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Forces.
His life companion was Teresa Decot, with whom he shared a loving relationship over the last 50 years.
Mr. Horan was a longtime parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church in Snyder.
He also served on the board of the Claremount senior housing facility of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Clarence.
In addition to his companion and David Horan, survivors include four sisters, Barbara Horan, Aileen Townsell, Esther Rae and Patricia Creighton; and another brother, Michael.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Christ the King Church, 30 Lamarck Drive, Snyder.
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