Gerald “Jerry” Francis Horna, Sr., 88, of Winchester, VA, passed away peacefully at Winchester Medical Center on February 16, 2026, surrounded by family. Jerry was born on June 16, 1937, in East Cleveland, OH, to the late Frank and Virginia Barnhardt Horna.

During his youth, Jerry played both baseball and football. He often sold corn and beans at his family’s farmstand to earn enough money for tickets to watch his Cleveland Indians play. After his family moved to Pennsylvania, he continued participating in school sports. When hard times struck, the earnings from his paper route frequently helped put food on the family table. As the oldest of five boys, Jerry embraced his family responsibilities, a trait that remained with him throughout his life. He graduated from Nether Providence High School in Wallingford, PA, and later from West Chester University in West Chester, PA.

After college graduation, Jerry was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and promoted to Lieutenant a year later. He served as Communications Officer at Fleet Weather Central in Guam, where he married Miss Geraldine “Gerri” Joan Feler. Though they originally planned a Philadelphia wedding, Navy obligations meant they became the first American military couple married on Guam. Over the years, Jerry advanced through various naval positions: Communications Officer aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823), Operations Officer on the USS Putnam (DD 759), and, after attending Naval Destroyer School, Readiness and Training Officer on the Staff of Commander-Destroyer Flotilla EIGHT, and Aide/Flag Secretary to Commander, Middle East Force, homeported in Manama, Bahrain. Like many Navy families, they lived wherever Dad’s ship was based.

He participated in two WESTPAC deployments to the gunline aboard the USS Newport News (CA-148), first as CIC Officer, then as Navigator—earning the Navy Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Star. The USS Newport News was the last active all-gun heavy cruiser sent to Vietnam. Jerry later served as Executive Officer of the USS Norris (DD-859), and as a staff officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He then reported to the USS Hector (AR-7). Next stop was the Navy Bureau of Personnel. During this time, he completed his Master of Science in Personnel Management from The George Washington University School of Business. He finally retired from the Pentagon, at the rank of Commander. Among his career achievements, he played a key role in establishing the Personnel Exchange Program (PEP), which strengthens international ties by enabling U.S. Navy personnel to work with foreign military services, gaining important experience and cultural understanding. The program remains essential to this day. Transitioning to civilian life, Jerry began a second career in Human Resources at BAE Systems, Inc., where he enjoyed supporting young people in achieving their educational and professional ambitions. He was particularly dedicated to helping fellow veterans succeed after leaving military service. After retiring from BAE, Jerry volunteered in the Employment Assistance Program at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Maryland, earning recognition as Volunteer of the Year for his contributions. Following this, he and Gerri relocated to Winchester, where Jerry connected with other veterans and joined American Legion Post 21. He found fulfillment volunteering with Honor Flight – Top of Virginia, helping veterans visit Washington, DC’s monuments and share in their significance.

Both Jerry and Gerri cherished visiting with friends and family. They also pursued international travel, with a particular interest in cruising, and were frequently organizing future journeys. Being a first-generation Czech American, Jerry enthusiastically researched his Czechoslovak heritage, ultimately locating his father’s birthplace and meeting relatives in the Czech Republic. He made numerous joyful trips there with his family so that everyone could discover their heritage together.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, community involvement, and an inspiring ability to motivate others through his words and deeds. His life was filled with generosity, and unwavering love for those close to him. Always ready with a smile, a helping hand, a hope that there would be ice cream, or a bad Dad joke, he touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Geraldine J. Horna; and his brothers Paul Horna and Jan Horna. He is survived by his daughter, Gillian Horna Dezzutto (Michael); son, Gerald F. Horna, Jr. (Jody Stell); and son, David A. Horna. Brother Marion Horna (Marty); brother Frank Horna (Michelle), nieces Valerie and Bethany; Cousin Ken Horna; brother-in-law, John S. Feler (Janet); nephew, Jake (Katie) and nieces, Bridget and Brenna.

A funeral mass will be conducted on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 am, at: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 130 Keating Dr., Winchester, VA, 22601. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. A luncheon reception will be held after the mass at Omps Funeral Home, 1600 Amherst St., Winchester, VA, 22601. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and pay tribute to the remarkable person that Jerry was.
Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, with full military honors, at future date.

Rest easy, Commander. We have the watch.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations made in Jerry’s name to:
Honor Flight – Top of Virginia
https://www.honorflight-tov.org/donate
or to the
United States Navy Memorial
https://www.navymemorial.org/general-donation