Richard James Horn passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019. His death, resulting from a heart attack, occurred on the last day of a wonderful week-long vacation with his wife and good friends on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He was born on April 28, 1954 in Albany, NY, the son of Thomas Horn Sr. and Antoinette (Bologna) Horn. He is survived by his wife, Birgit Horn, their children Patrick and Rachel, all of Poultney, Vermont. He is also survived by his mother, Antoinette of Latham, NY, his siblings Thomas Horn Jr. of Rexford, Kevin Horn of Albuquerque, NM, Mary Steinberg of Florida, and his nephew Thomas M. Horn of Lake George, NY. Ricks professional life spanned a wide range of activities: professional athlete, military officer, and educator. He attended Boston University on a full football scholarship, where in addition to earning his Bachelor's degree, he received numerous awards for his athletic accomplishments, including selection to the All ECAC Division II Football Team, All Yankee Conference Football Team, and receiving Boston Universitys Harry Agganis Memorial Award for Most Valuable Player in the 1975 football season. After graduation, Rick pursued his lifelong passion for football, first playing in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts, and later earning invitations to several NFL pre-season tryout camps. In 1977, Rick signed a contract with the NY Jets, before injury ended his pro-football career - but not his enduring passion for the game. During Ricks service in the US Army he attained the rank of Captain, where he served in the 10th Mountain Division as Commander of A Company, 10th Signal Battalion from 1990-1994. He served in Joint Task Force Andrew in the 1992 Hurricane Andrew Disaster Relief Operations, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia in 1993, and served a tour of duty in West Germany. During his military career Rick received the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and numerous other citations and commendations. After retiring from the Army, Rick entered the teaching profession, while still serving his country in the National Guard, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Vermont National Guard. From 2009-2010, Rick was deployed with his Guard unit to Afghanistan where he served as Military Adjutant General, interfacing with the Afghan nationals. After his units safe return from Afghanistan, Rick retired from the National Guard in 2013. As an educator, Rick began his teaching career as a Guidance Councilor at Mount St. Josephs Academy. After receiving his Masters degree in Education, he accepted the position of Vice-Principal at the Castleton Village School. Rick ultimately became Campus Principal at the Southern Adirondack Education Center of the NY Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) where he served until his death. Visiting hours for friends and family will be held on Monday 7/15 from 4-6 PM at the Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home, located at 266 Allen Ave., Poultney, VT 05764. A service will be held at St. Raphaels the Archangel Catholic Church in Poultney on Tuesday 7/16 beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow with military honors in the St. Raphaels Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer Fire Dept., Station 6 Rescue Squad24297 Atlantic Dr.,Rodanthe, NC 27968 Arrangements are under the direction of the Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home. . SERVICES Visitation Monday, July 15, 2019 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Roberts-Aubin Funeral Home 266 ALLEN AVE POULTNEY, Vermont 05764 Funeral Service Tuesday, July 16, 2019 11:00 AM St. Raphael's Catholic Church 21 East Main St. Poultney, VT 05764