Richard Wilbur Horton

November 19, 1943 – March 10, 2026

Richard Wilbur Horton, 82, of Ardmore, PA, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026.

Born in Roxborough, Philadelphia, Rich (affectionately referred to as Richie to family and close friends) spent his early years in Manayunk until his family moved to Bala Cynwyd, and finally settling in Ardmore, where he resided for the last 50 years. He was the son of Wilbur and Anna (Luba) Horton. Rich attended Dobbins Technical High School.

A proud veteran, Rich served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps and ascended to the rank of Sergeant. During his time as a Marine, he served aboard the USS Forrestal, which was the United States first completed supercarrier ship and the lead ship of her class. After his service, Rich joined the family business, Horton Brothers Carpenters and Builders, working alongside his father and brother for many years. Eventually he started his own business, Richard W. Horton Builders. He was a master carpenter who could build and fix anything.

Rich was an avid hunter. For more than 30 years he enjoyed get away's at the family Pocono hunting cabin. Rich also learned to ski in his early 40's and spent many weekends skiing the Pocono slopes with his daughter, Heather, his brother, Jimmy and friends. His love for skiing took him to such places as Vermont, Colorado, Wyoming, Switzerland and Austria and others. Rich was a fantastic fisherman. He spent countless hours deep sea fishing and surf fishing downat the Jersey Shore, where he loved spending his summers with Anna and her family. He was a big Philadelphia Sports fan and loved going to Phillies games with his daughter but his true love was watching his granddaughters grow and cheering for them at their soccer and lacrosse games over the years. He was so proud of his two granddaughters and loved to brag about the fine young professional woman they grew to become. Later in life, Rich enjoyed gardening and developed a passion for antiquing, which he enjoyed doing with his partner, Anna.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James. He is survived by his loving life partner of 38 years, Anna O'Hora: daughter, Heather Lukens (Dave); his granddaughters Reilly Kate and Audrey Fiedler; Anna's daughter, Veronica Ellers (Kevin) and Veronica's children, Samantha, and Kyle Ellers.

A Private Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.