Obituary of Horace I. Gordon

Horace I. Gordon, affectionately known as "Billy" entered into eternal rest on June 1st, 2021. He was the son of the late Charles Ernest and Ivy (nee Francis) Gordon. Born in Kingston, Jamaica on March 17th, 1932. The third of four children, Horace had two older sisters, Hetty and Eva (Both now deceased), a younger brother, William and an older brother, Dorsley (deceased).

Displaying a keen childhood interest in automobiles, Horace taught himself the basics of auto mechanics. Horace graduated from Kingston Technical School and went on to start his career at Sinclair's auto shop, then moved on to Sprostons auto.

In 1959, Horace married the love of his life Joan Theresa Hay, and the two created a family of their own, raising six children: Yvonne (Joy), Marie, Michael, Charles, Robert, and Elizabeth. Horace and Joan shared 33 loving years of married life until her passing in 1993.

In 1969, Horace left his family home in Jamaica West Indies and immigrated to the United States for a better life. He continued his career at Sprostons dealership repairing high end foreign cars. Shortly afterwards, he brought his family from Jamaica to join him, and together they built a life in America.

In 1978, Horace began a new job as head mechanic for NYC Transit, eventually rising to the position of senior parts supervisor. His colleagues loved him and appreciated his deep knowledge and old school Jamaican training. Horace remained with NYC Transit until his retirement in 1998. He could fix anything. No challenge daunted him; he thought "I'll figure it out" and he always did.

Horace had a great sense of humor, a keen wit, told great stories, gave wise advice, plenty of life lessons, and had an incredible memory for details.

Horace loved and always had time for family. Over the years he made family and friends feel more than welcome. He was often on the phone keeping in touch with many members of his immediate and extended family.

In his later years, Horace had to contend with multiple health challenges including the loss of his sight. He met those challenges and his final illness with courage and dignity. "I'll take whatever comes," he said. Horace was known for his independence and strength.

In his final months, Horace was sustained by his faith, family, keeping up to date with the news, current events, and his great love of jazz, especially musicians Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, and Stanley Turrentine.

He is survived by his children: Horace (Freddy), Marie, Michael, Charles, Robert, and Elizabeth; his brother William, his companion Aldith Powell; as well as grandchildren: Christina, Nia, Joan, Angela, and Ariella; great grandchildren Dante and Jayden; and nieces, nephews, and other members of his extended family, who will miss him terribly. We mourn his absence, but we know that, as he would say: he's been promoted," and reunited with his loved ones.

He will forever be in our hearts.

Reposing Monday, June 7 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:30 AM on Tuesday, June 8 at St. Thomas Aquinas R.C. Church, 1550 Hendrickson Street, Brooklyn.

Burial to follow at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.

Please take advantage of the Tribute Wall tab to express your compassion and condolences over Horace's passing.

For those who wish to send a floral tribute to the wake service, please call Floral Fantasy Florist at: 718-238-6978.