Henry Paul Horelica Jr., our beloved Hank, passed away on March 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Horelica, his two children, Steven Horelica and Jean Fowler, and his five grandchildren: Madeleine Fulmer, Jacob Fowler, Emily Horelica, Tanner Horelica, and Austin Fowler. Hank was born in Avon Park, Florida, on May 25, 1944, to Henry and Lillian Horelica. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Cameron, Texas. At the age of six, they moved to Houston's east end, where Hank would spend the rest of his childhood.

Hank had a difficult upbringing where he had to grow up fast. Despite those early challenges, in his 81 years of life he accomplished everything he set out to do. A self-made man who scraped by on a diet of cheese and crackers, he became the first Horelica to graduate from college, receiving his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. After graduation, he began working at Houston Lighting and Power, where he would spend the next 25 years. After that, he spent two decades working in the City of Houston Airport System. It was at Houston Lighting and Power that he met the love of his life, Betty. Hank always said that was when his life truly started—when he met Betty.

Together, they moved to Katy, Texas, to start their family with the birth of their son, Steven. Another addition soon followed when they welcomed their daughter, Jean. During this time, Hank would take the bus into the city to work during the day and would spend his evenings going to the University of Houston to work toward his Master's. While building this young family, Hank also completed two additional degrees, receiving both a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Civil Engineering. After finishing school, the four of them moved to the suburbs of northwest Houston, to Klein, Texas, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Over the decades, Hank enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and the beauty in nature. In retirement, Hank loved spending time with his family around the pool and finding deals at the local grocery stores.

Hank was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He took pride in his home, yard, and community. He was always there to lend a helping hand, and he kept his home open to everyone in the community. They'd even leave the front door open so that the neighbors could walk right in.

Family came first and foremost for Hank; every aspect of his life was driven by his love of family. Hank was a role model to many generations of young men. Leading by example, he taught many how to be a man of principle and what it meant to be a provider. He would put himself through any hardship to do what needed to be done. He was a powerful presence—a strong man of few words. When he spoke, you listened.

He lived on his own terms, loved with his whole heart, and was cut from a cloth that's hard to find anymore. We honor his strength, his stubborn pride, and the quiet way he showed up for those he loved. His legacy lives on in the family he built and the standards he set.