Obituary of Thomas Horgos

Thomas J. Horgos, age 57, died suddenly on Thursday, November 27, 2014. Thom was born in 1957 in Bellefonte, PA, the son of Joseph J. Horgas and the late Patty J. Horgas. He was born Thomas Horgas but chose to use the original Slovak spelling, Horgos. He graduated from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, PA in 1975. He received a B.S. in Geology from Pennsylvania State University in 1980, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1986, and a JD from the University of Arizona in 1992. He practiced law in Utah for several years before becoming Franchise Owner for Little Caesar's Pizza stores in State College and the surrounding Central PA region. In 1997, Thom married Wendy Leppert, who survives. They had two sons, Josef (age 17) and Petr (age 16), to whom Thom was a devoted father. He greatly enjoyed teaching, nurturing, and coaching his sons. Thom had many interests and talents, and led an active and adventurous life. He was an accomplished musician and played in several bands in Pittsburgh. He was a lifelong Penn State Football fan. He travelled widely and enjoyed the outdoors, including fly fishing, hunting, and hiking. He was an avid hockey player and coach. He played for the Penn State Icers, and was the all-time leading scorer for the early years of PSU hockey. He was legal counsel for the Utah Grizzlies, and was an active hockey player his entire adult life. During the Winter Olympics in Utah, Thom skated in the opening ceremony. In State College, he sponsored and played for Little Caesar's Team in the Nittany Hockey League. His slapshot was legendary. In addition to his wife and sons, Thom is survived by his father, Joseph J. Horgas of State College, PA and 4 siblings, J. Mark Horgas and his wife Amy, of State College, Ann Horgas-Marsiske and her husband, Michael, of Gainesville, FL, Patti J. Horgas of Fairfax VA, and Jay M. Horgas and his wife Raeann, of State College, several nephews, and one niece. Thom also had many friends, teammates, and colleagues. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be from 1 until 4 p.m., on Sunday, December 7, 2014, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m., at the funeral home, with Celebrant Jackie Hook officiating. In lieu of gifts or flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Tom Horgos Memorial Fund at First National Bank in Centre Hall c/o District Judge Tom Jordan, 2795 Earlystown Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.