Thomas “Tom” John Horn, 65, of Atlantic Highlands, passed away Feb. 27, 2025, at Riverview Medical Center, surrounded by those he loved most, including his cherished Aussie shepherd George.
Tom was born in New York City to his late parents, E. Michael and Margaret ‘Peggy’ Horn. After several moves, the family finally settled in Rumson to be near the ocean they all loved. Tom and his older sister, Nancy Anne, of Rougemont, North Carolina, spent their childhood there and attended Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School.
After getting his Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Rutgers, Tom considered a military career, but the love of nature that had defined him up to that point led him into a career as an environmental consultant and senior geologist. During his more than 40-year-long career, Tom worked on hundreds of projects to remediate hazardous waste and water contamination throughout the northeast. It was at his workplace that he met his future wife, Lynn Ann, and realized instantly they would marry.
Not long after that, Tom and Lynn began a new chapter of their lives, receiving in quick succession the blessings of their beloved daughters Natalie Ann and Julianna Marie. Tom devoted all his free time to being the “best dad ever,” attending Scouting events, ballet recitals, karate and track meets, making late-night pickups and deliveries, and sharing his passion for trees with his willing understudies.
Tom cared deeply for others and the world. He was energetic and excited about history, nature and every event in the lives of his family and friends. He would take the time to genuinely try to elicit a smile from a grumbly stranger or the person behind the counter, considering each smile a small victory.
With his dry and witty sense of humor, kind and gentle demeanor, enviable intellect and good nature, Tom was a joy to be around. He was taken too soon and will be sorely missed.
Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the September 25 – October 1, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
