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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald “Don” Horner, age 79, on January 8, 2026, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Don was born on April 21, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas. After spending a few years in Maryland, he moved with his family to Rochester, New York, where he attended East High School and Geneseo State before graduating from the University of Rochester.

In Rochester, Don met the love of his life, Susan McGrath. They were married on June 26, 1971, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned more than five decades.

Don dedicated his life to education and coaching, shaping the lives of thousands of students during his career as a physics and chemistry teacher and soccer coach. He taught at East Rochester, Fairport, Wayne, and Our Lady of Mercy, spending the bulk of his career at Fairport Central Schools. At Fairport High School, Don became a pillar of the community, leading the science department and coaching soccer at all levels for many years—often while his own children attended the school.

A lifelong animal lover, Don shared his home with beloved pets including dogs Rascal, Chopper, Lady MacDuff, and Aberdeen, and cats Nosey and Inky. He was also an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, known as one of the most passionate Buffalo Bills fans around. Among his proudest accomplishments was enabling his three children to attend the University of Notre Dame on the salaries of public school teachers—a testament to his devotion to family and education. Saturdays were often spent cheering on the Fighting Irish, whether at Notre Dame Stadium or gathered with family.  Don and Sue retired to Mishawaka, IN to be closer to family and the Notre Dame community that brought such joy (and sometimes heartache after a Fighting Irish loss!)

Don was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Horner. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan McGrath Horner; his daughter, Megan (John) Harber of Hawthorne, California; his sons, Sean (Crystal) Horner of Granger, Indiana, and Andrew (Sarah) Horner of Dayton, Ohio; and four cherished granddaughters: Adeline, Elise, Olivia, and Maya.

A visitation for Don will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to the Hemophilia Federation of America, in support of his brother Michael, who bravely battled the disease throughout his life.