John Wesley Horton

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Wesley Horton, who died on September 23, 2025, at the age of 72 in Newark, Delaware. John was born on June 14, 1953, in East Orange, New Jersey, to John Owen Horton and Mary Horton (Aufiero). He grew up in Little Falls, New Jersey, where he attended elementary school, later graduating from high school in Chatham, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Visual Arts and Music Composition from Franconia College in New Hampshire. John spent his professional life working in digital arts and information technology, concluding his career as an Information Management Officer with the Department of the Army. Despite the demands of his profession, his passion for music and visual art never waned. Throughout his life, he created numerous visual works and musical compositions. After the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator Rick Arend, John continued to honor their work as the duet Rajh, maintaining and sharing their creations on new digital platforms and with wider audiences. John was a devoted husband and father who deeply cherished time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his thoughtfulness, kindness, sense of humor, dedication to his loved ones, love of nature and animals, and his ever-curious mind. He was an inspiration and a role model to his children—his patience, wisdom, love, attentive ear, and forgiving heart guided them in life and in their careers. John had a deep passion for music—composing and playing various instruments—and was always ready for a spirited discussion about politics or current events. A true adventurer at heart, he loved traveling the world with his wife, exploring new cultures, and creating lasting memories. He also had a lifelong fascination with the mysteries of the world, including UFOs and Bigfoot, always hopeful for a glimpse of the unexplained. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 19 years, Robina Horton; and by his children: Jim and his wife Feng Ying, Maria, Justin, Joseph, Erin and her husband Peter, and Timothy and his wife Bertilla. He is also survived by his sister Martina Avalina (Denise Horton), her husband Thomas Novakowsky, and their daughter Shannon Swaringen. John’s memory lives on through his grandchildren: Kaley, Penny, and Charlotte; as well as his beloved fur babies: Julia and Dodee, and in loving memory of his late dog, Dessie. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Owen Horton and Mary Horton (Aufiero). A visitation will be held September 30, 2025, from 10-11 AM followed by a service a service at 11:00 AM at Union United Methodist Church, located at 345 School Bell Rd, Bear, Delaware. Following the service, John will be laid to rest at Gracelawn Memorial Park, located at 2220 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, Delaware. A Celebration of Life will follow at Union United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home in memory of John Wesley Horton. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

John Wesley Horton

June 14, 1953 - September 23, 2025

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