Charles Kramer Hordis Ph.D.'s Obituary
Charles Kramer Hordis, Ph.D.
Dr. Hordis, a resident of Mount Laurel, formerly of Cinnaminson, died March 23, 2018 at Virtua Hospital, Mount Holly, NJ of complications from hip surgery. He was born in 1927, in Philadelphia, PA to Anna Hordis (née Kramer) and Robert Victor Hordis. He was one of four brothers: Robert and Victor (twins) and his surviving brother William.
Dr. Hordis entered the seminary at Catholic University, Washington, DC in 1946, and earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the same institution. He served as both a teacher and professor in Catholic institutions in the northeast for a number of years and later as a Parish priest in Erie, PA. After leaving the priesthood, he joined his brothers as research and development director at Hordis Brothers Glass, the commercial glass company founded by their father.
Among his many accomplishments at Hordis Brothers, he used his creative talents and knowledge of chemistry to invent and patent a unique process in gold plating which was used in constructing the landmark Campbell Center Towers in Dallas, TX. After the business was sold, Dr. Hordis acquired Camden Glass and Metals, Inc., which he owned until his retirement.
In 1968 while taking an art class, he met the love of his life, Janet Kebbe. They were married soon afterward. He is survived by his wife Janet and children Catherine Strayer (Mt. Laurel, NJ), Jennifer Austin (Mt. Laurel, NJ), Charles Hordis (Harleysville, PA), and Robert Hordis and his wife Victoria (Moorestown, NJ). Dr. Hordis is also survived by his four beloved grandchildren; Janet, Ezra, Nathanael, and Claire.
In his retirement, Dr. Hordis was involved in many activities. He served two terms on the Cinnaminson Township school board. He was a world traveler, a tireless volunteer, an aficionado of the arts, and a lifetime supporter of the Pennsylvania Ballet. At the Lutheran Home in Moorestown, Dr. Hordis could be found with his string bass and accompanist leading the residents in song. At Virtua Hospital Mount Holly, he provided spiritual comfort in his role as a volunteer chaplain.
Charley was a larger than life figure with an enormous zest for life and interest in people. Anyone who knew him could never forget him. He was the playful, jolly grandpop who was just fun to be around. His grandchildren adored him, his family and friends loved and were inspired by him, and he will be deeply missed by all.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Blvd., P.O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Dr. Hordis’ visitation and gathering at Givnish of Marlton, 398 E. Main St., on Monday evening from 7 pm – 8 pm, and on Tuesday morning from 9:15 am – 10:15 am. His funeral Mass will follow at 11 am at St. John Neumann Church, 560 Walton Ave., Mount Laurel, NJ. Interment will be private. To share your fondest memories and condolences with Dr. Hordis’ family, please visit www.Givnish.com.
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