Charles J. Hora

December 18, 1943 - March 29, 2021

Charles J. Hora passed away peacefully at Wake Med Cary Hospital on March 29, 2021 after a protracted illness. Chuck graduated as Valedictorian from Bedford High School in Bedford, Ohio. He was a finalist in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search in 1961. He received a scholarship to Princeton University, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree. He spent the summer before his junior year in Cologne, Germany working as a translator for Lufthansa Airlines. He won a National Science Foundation Grant to attend University of Massachusetts, attaining his PhD. in Inorganic Chemistry in 1970. Chuck began his professional career at Diamond Shamrock in Cleveland, Ohio. He became an executive and worked in chemical and medical research until joining Lord Corporation in Erie, PA. He became President, and during his tenure he helped the company relocate it’s headquarters to Cary, NC where he oversaw operations and expansion. After his retirement, Chuck was sought after by many companies which led to his third career as a consultant, which he enjoyed for the rest of his life. Chuck was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed participating in tennis, baseball, basketball, swimming, cycling and golf. He was a dedicated Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan. He enjoyed restoring classic cars with his friends and bringing them back to their original condition. He was a master model airplane designer and builder, flying them and winning many competitions. He loved movies and was a font of information about the stars, production techniques, and the history of motion pictures. Chuck was interred at Wake Memorial Park in Cary, NC in a private ceremony, due to the COVID Pandemic. Donations in remembrance of Charles J. Hora may be sent to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Chuck is survived by his wife, Ruth-Ellen, his brother Richard P. Hora from CA, his wife Kathryn, and their two daughters Elizabeth and Maureen; his friends Gary Slurkanich, Stephen Uhalley III, and Joy Freda. He will be sorely missed.