James J. Hornyak, 64, of Newtown, born on November 17, 1954, in Stamford, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 1, at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford. He died peacefully with his devoted wife by his side. James was the son of Ruth R. Hornyak of New Milford and the late William J. Hornyak.

He was predeceased by his brother, Robert C. Hornyak, and sister-in-law, Jane Hornyak.

James is survived by his wife, Denise (Petruccelli) Hornyak; his step-sons, Sean and Matthew Myslewski, his wife, Courtney, and granddaughter, Claire, of Newtown; and son, Christopher Kelly, his wife, Sarah, and granddaughter, Maddy, of New Hampshire. He is also survived by his brother, William J. Hornyak, Jr, of Westport; sister, Elinor, and her husband, Douglas Platt, of Sarasota, Fla.; sister, Nancy and her husband, Robert Jerolmon, of New Milford; nieces, Jennifer Cannone and Lindsay Hornyak; and nephews, Jason Hornyak, Tyler Hornyak, Douglas Platt, Randy Platt, and Corey Jerolmon.

He was employed at Montanari Fuel in Ridgefield as an HVAC technician. He will be deeply missed by all of his coworkers, whom he considered family, as well as everyone who knew and loved him. He particularly enjoyed time spent with family and friends and had a passion for animals, NASCAR, and vintage automobiles.

Calling hours are at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, from 5 to 8 pm, on Friday, January 4.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Church, 163 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, on Saturday, January 5, at 10 am. Interment will follow at the Newtown Village Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wildlife In Crisis at [naviga:u]willifeincrisis.org[/naviga:u].

To leave an online condolence, visit [naviga:u]honanfh.com[/naviga:u].