Horton Joseph Mccormick, Sr.

Horton Joseph McCormick, Sr., 95, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2024. Known to many as “Pop,” he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, inventor, archivist, fisherman, lover of nicknames, paper boat maker, proud Baltimorean, and steadfast believer in the American dream.

A lifelong resident of Baltimore, he was born and raised in Masonville, a shipyard hamlet of 52 houses on the Patapsco River's south side. Horton grew up with his siblings—Eileen, John, Joseph (who died as an infant), and Betty. His parents, John and Mary McCormick (née Harman), raised them just a few houses away from the rest of his large Irish-Catholic family.

His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life. The McCormick family was active in St. Athanasius Church in Curtis Bay, where his grandfather helped dig the church’s foundation. The family later became members of St. Rose of Lima Church in Brooklyn, MD.

Masonville quietly disappeared in the early 1950s as industry advanced into the area. Later in his life, Horton took on the challenge of keeping Masonville's memory alive by painstakingly researching and archiving every detail. Local historians frequently reference his work, which can be discovered here. https://www.masonvillemd.com/ Thanks to his efforts and many others, the town’s remaining habitat, known as Masonville Cove, is the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership and is home to over 280 bird species, including Baltimore City's first returning pair of nesting bald eagles.

Horton attended Calvert Hall College High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore. He was incredibly proud to have served in the United States Air Force. After returning home from the Korean War, he fell head over heels for the vibrant Mary Ann Kopec. They married at St. Athanasius Church in 1962 and started their family in Linthicum, MD. Their house backed up to St. Philip Neri Church, where they were active and loving parish members. Horton and Mary Ann were known for opening their home and hosting memorable holiday parties.

While building a successful sales career for nearly four decades at The Baltimore Stationery Company, he was a loving and caring father and grandfather. He enjoyed organizing activities on the St. Philip Neri field and traveling to Ocean City, MD.

Known as an extraordinarily kind and patient man, Horton delighted in the joy of the little things. He truly flourished as a father and grandfather, entertaining his children and grandchildren with adventures to Sandy Point State Park, Fort McHenry, and Washington, DC.

He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren and had a special bond with his nephews Mark and Steve Kopec, and Kerry Konopik.

A true son of Baltimore, Horton was one of the first season ticket holders of his Baltimore Colts. His legacy of kindness, patience, fun, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Ann McCormick, and his children Horton J. McCormick, Jr. (Kelly), Megan C. Brown (Kevin), and Brian P. McCormick (Kelley). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sean (Monica), Jack,  Horton J. III (Rachel), Sarah, Reilly, Connor, and William, and his great-grandchildren, Madison, Jacob, and Noah.

The family will receive friends at Our Lady of the Angels Church (Charlestown Retirement Community Catonsville) on Saturday, October 12th from 10 am until 11 am. A Catholic Mass will begin at 11 am. Private Inurnment Baltimore National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers contributions in his name may be directed to Masonville Cove www.masonvillecove.org ,  the nation's first Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership, 1000 Frankfurst Ave, Baltimore MD (21226.)  You can also send support to livingclassrooms.org/donate . From popdown menu of "I want to support", choose "Masonville Cove", and there is also a space to indicate who the donation is made in memory/honor of. If you prefer, checks should be made payable to: Living Classrooms (with Masonville or Horton McCormick in the memo section of the check), and mailed to: Masonville Cove Env Ed Campus, 1000 Frankfurst Ave, Baltimore, MD (21226.)