Richard Horne

No woman expects to become a widow at 29, but that is the reality of our sweet Hattie, who lost our dear cousin and her beloved husband, Richard G. Horne III, on February 23, 2019. Richard died after bravely battling a cascade of rare medical events that began on February 10, 2019. He leaves behind two sons, Connor, 13, and Lucas, 5.

After developing a cough, Hattie took Richard to the ER at Medstar St. Mary’s Hospital where he was diagnosed with heart stress, the flu, pneumonia, and sepsis. After being told it was safe to leave for the night and return to their young son, Hattie received a late night call from the hospital to return: Richard had aspirated, went into cardiac arrest, and doctors were resuscitating him. The experience was traumatic, and doctors suggested Hattie call family members in to prepare for Richard’s passing, even though she had not even had time to prepare herself.

Seemingly miraculously, Richard survived the night, but was induced into a medical coma to protect his lungs, which now had developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Hattie still by his side, Richard was transferred to the ICU at Washington Hospital Center, where an emotionally arduous rollercoaster of ups and downs ensued until his spirit left the earth nearly two weeks later. He died surrounded by Hattie and his family just three days before his youngest son, Lucas, turned five. Richard was 32.

Those who knew Richard remember him as a natural comedian, a truly hilarious storyteller with quick wit and the gift of gab. He had a refined intellect from his love of reading, history, and learning, and he adored children and babies, often calling those he met “angel.” He loved concerts, dancing, and jamming to all types of music, including classic rock, 90s rock, and Prince. After a short stint in the U.S. Army in his early 20s, Richard returned home to meet and marry Hattie, a devoted wife and mother who understood and loved him unconditionally, despite facing several challenges and obstacles together and independently, including the death of Richard’s father, who, at 41, died of complications from sepsis at Washington Hospital Center when Richard was a young adult.

Even though he experienced a complicated, sometimes challenging childhood, Richard never ceased to remain loyal to and respectful of his grandmother, Rosemary, even after she died. In a loving tribute to the woman who helped raised him, he requested that one day - when it was his time - he wanted part of him to be placed with her.

With no life insurance, the proceeds from this campaign will help Hattie overcome the financial burden that comes with Richard’s loss, including paying for funeral expenses and accommodating her new day-to-day reality as a 29-year-old widow now supporting a child on her own.

Every day, Hattie will have to make big efforts - an effort to get out of bed in the morning, an effort to keep Richard’s memory alive to their son, an effort to keep going even though it pains her to think about what could have been. But today, we can all make one little effort: contribute a few bucks. Can you help?

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 8, 2019, at 1:00 pm at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 16566 Three Notch Road, Ridge Md. 20680, with Visitation from 12:00-1:00.