John Van Syckle Hornbeck Jr., 79, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, New Hampshire with family at his side.

John (Jack) was born on March 21, 1947, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to John Van Syckle Hornbeck Sr. and Marjorie (Peck) Hornbeck. He was raised in Westfield New Jersey, where his love of the outdoors and active living began as a local boy scout. As a child, some of his happiest memories were made during family vacations to Newfound Lake in Bristol New Hampshire, at Camp Wulamat. In later years, his love of vacationing would continue with his family renting a cabin in York Beach, Maine every summer for almost 20 years. Mr. Extended Vacation. It was always a challenge to get him to leave. These are places that reflected his lifelong love of nature, camaraderie and exploration.

Jack graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in Waynesboro Virginia before continuing his education and eventually earning his MBA from the University of New Hampshire. After completing his studies, he made Keene, New Hamopshire his prideful home. He became an active and valued member of the community.

He worked for many years at MPB (Timken) in Keene, NH and ended his career at Swiss Precision Turning in Brattleboro VT.

Jack had a lifelong love of sailing, nature, animals (especially ducks and cats) and the outdoors. Around age 9 he took in an injured duck and nursed it back to health. They were bonded for many years to come. He enjoyed being active, was an avid hiker and skier, and he loved both the mountains and the ocean. He also deeply enjoyed music and singing, featuring a variety of silly voices. His version of Puff the Magic Dragon is left unmatched. He traveled across the country in his silver VW van. A trip he fondly remembered, talked about and encouraged others to take. Captain Jack proudly displayed a map of these travels in his home. He had a great sense of humor and loved a good prank. Jack enjoyed reading, a game of cribbage, a vacation, spending time in the warm sunshine, catching a tan and embracing the simple pleasures in life. He also found meaningful ways to give back to the community he called home. He served as a recreation league soccer coach in Keene, was a former member of the Rotary Club and president of APICS local chapter, forming friendships and making impact on those around him.

Jack will be remembered for the life he built and the people who were fortunate enough to share it with him. His curiosity, love of the earth, its creatures, dedication to his community, and cherished memories he created with his family will remain with those who knew and loved him.

John was predeceased by his sister Marilyn Levin of New Jersey.

He leaves behind his children, Jenifer Wahl, her spouse Justin and their children Cooper and Jack Muenchausen of Boise ID, Kylie Hornbeck and her daughter Lennon Hale of Boise, ID, Hannah Hornbeck and his beloved grand-dog, Winston of Falmouth ME, John Hornbeck III of Dorchester, MA, and his esteemed 16-year-old feline companion, Gertrude who will carry his memory forward and cherish the many moments they shared with him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jacks memory may be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, SPCA, or Children’s International, where he made regular contributions until his very last days.

Services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, Chapel, and Crematories. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com.