Nov 13, 2018

David A. Hornyak, 79, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully Monday, November 12, 2018, in St. Clair Hospital, Mt. Lebanon, surrounded by his family.

He was born August 3, 1939, in Munhall, to his loving parents Andrew and Mary Dander Hornyak, who preceded him in death.

On January 6, 1968, he married Mary Margery “Margie” Dunn, who survives. They shared 50 years of marriage together.

David was a veteran who served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve.

He was a member of St. Patrick Parish in Canonsburg, where he served as a Eucharistic minister. His devotion to Christ and Catholic faith were central throughout his life.

David had an outstanding work ethic. He began his career at RCA, where he met his wife. He worked at RCA for many years until 1980, when the plant closed. He also was employed by McGraw-Edison and Westinghouse.

In his 40s, he chose to reinvent himself and enrolled in the registered nursing program at Community College of Allegheny County. There, he earned his associate’s degree in nursing and went to work at Asbury Heights in Mt. Lebanon for 20 years. David had tremendous compassion for his patients. He was a dedicated and knowledgeable R.N. He was a selfless man who always put others’ needs above his own.

He had tremendous passion for the outdoors and hiking. His happiest moments were in the woods, especially at his family hunting camp in Emporium, which he built with his father and brother Jim. He hiked anywhere and everywhere he could, including the Grand Canyon, California and Colorado. A highlight in David’s life was summiting Mt. Quandary in Colorado.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his two beloved daughters, Lara A. Hornyak of Houston and Mary E. Szymanski (Peter) of Canonsburg; his brother, James T. Hornyak (Theresa) of Cockerton; four grandchildren, Sean and Sara Snedeker and Kaden and Vivien Szymanski; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Andrew and Melvin Hornyak.

Friends are welcome from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD, owner/supervisor, and Darla A. Tripoli, LFD, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Interment will be private.

Full military rites will be accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

To view or leave condolences, visit www.salandrafunerals.com.