Sam J. Horner

Sam “Salvatore” Joseph Horner, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, October 7, 2021.  He was born September 4, 1934 in Springfield, Illinois to Joseph and Carmella (Greco) Crifasi.

Sam graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago where he played football. He then served in the United States Army. He married Joan F. Hill in 1956 and they had seven children.

Sam had a successful career in sales, first with Prudential Life Insurance and later in the food business.  He owned and operated Sam’s Place 4 Hotdogs in Elk Grove Village and Elmhurst, Illinois for over 20 years.  Sam’s Place was renowned for Chicago style hotdogs. One of the enjoyments of going to Sam’s was seeing him behind the counter with his warm smile, big personality and calling customers by their nicknames. 

Sam’s many interests were art, classical music, history, writing poetry, traveling and collecting antique clocks, watches and fountain pens. Sam was proud of his Italian heritage. He loved to cook his favorite family meals: big pots of chili, Thanksgiving turkey, and most of all, his classic spaghetti and meatballs accompanied by a glass of Montepulciano. Salute!

Sam is survived by his wife of 20 years, Diana Robson Horner and seven loving children. Survivors include Christianne (Thomas) Murrens, Julianne (Patrick) Keeley, Gregory (Denise) Horner, Dianne (Douglas) Willard, Timothy (JoAnn) Horner, Adrienne (Rod) Zimmerman, Daniel (Katherine) Horner; grandchildren Luke, Sarah, Cecilia Murrens, Andrew (Jenny) Keeley, Colleen (Andrew) Lundgren, Christopher Horner, Alyssa (Chuck) Ventura, Stephanie, Hunter (Jill), Trent, Chase Willard, Angela (Josh) Moreno, Gina, Michael (Celi) Horner, Austin, Bridget, Drake, Paige Zimmerman, Nicholas Horner, Vanessa Campbell, Joseph, James, Jennifer Horner; 15 great grandchildren; brother, Thomas (Marsha) Horner; and sister, Josephine (Willie) Martin.  Preceded in death by Joan F. Horner and grandchildren, Brian P. Keeley and Andrea M. Horner.

Requiem Mass will be at 11:00am with a visitation from 10:00am until the mass on Thursday, October 14, 2021 in St. Pius V Shrine, 30 Miller Road, Lake Zurich, IL 60047.  Burial will be in Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.  

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