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WWII Vet, Music Professor, Celebrated at 107
22 Jul
Summary
- Horacek, a WWII pilot, died at 107 years old.
- He was a beloved music professor at West Virginia University.
- He played piano daily, including Duke Ellington's 'Caravan'.
Leo Horacek, a distinguished music professor emeritus at West Virginia University and World War II veteran, died last week at the age of 107. He had been living with his son and daughter-in-law in Moundsville.
Born in Kansas, Horacek developed a passion for music early on, becoming proficient in piano and trumpet. His life's journey was profoundly shaped by his service as a fighter pilot in World War II, where he was shot down twice but rescued by a submarine. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for life.
Horacek joined the WVU fine arts faculty in 1960, dedicating himself to teaching music to students of all ages and skill levels. He also served as the inaugural music director for St. Thomas a Becket church in Morgantown, founded in 1979.
Even after retiring from WVU in 1982, Horacek remained active, teaching at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute until he was 100. He maintained a positive outlook, finding solace in music, teaching, and his dog, Ruffy, continuing to play "Caravan" daily.
