Obituary of Joe Horvath

Derek Joseph Horvath, "Joe" of Monticello, a retired heavy equipment operator, died Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. He was 64.

The son of the late Henry Horvath and Mary Davis Horvath, he was born July 7, 1953 in Brooklyn.

Joe loved theoutdoors. In addition to his many years of working in the field of excavation, his passion was fishing. He was most at home in the woods or by a lake fishing, hunting, camping, & hiking. Joe also tied his own flies for his many fly fishing excursions.

He found solace in the tranquility of early mornings sitting by a campfire or patiently anticipating a trout's bite on his fishing line. This was the time he felt closest to God & often referred to his sunrise fishing trips as going to church.

He is survived by his wife: Ellen Kraft Horvath, at home; a daughter: Kayla Chapman of Livingston Manor; a brother: Henry Horvath of Sweetwater, LA; an uncle: Lloyd Davis of NJ; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his sidekick companion: cocker spaniel Boo.

Interment of his ashes will be held at a later date at the Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Research or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Special thanks to nephew Lou Setren who gave endless time and emotional support driving Joe back & forth to NYC for Dr appointments and procedures, the staff at Sullivan County Adult Care Center for their excellent care and support during his many rehab stays, and to the staff at Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for being instrumental in prioritizing Joe's wishes for comfort care in his final days

.Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello NY; for additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com