Ralph W. Hoerner, Jr. "Jack"

Ralph W. Hoerner, Jr. ("Jack"), of Sun City Hilton Head, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Born on August 14, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jack was the son of the late Margaret Kuhn Hoerner and Dr. Ralph Warren Hoerner. A graduate of Saint Joseph’s University, where he was enrolled in ROTC, he proudly served in the United States Air Force for two years.

In 1962, Jack married Andrea "Andy" Doodan. Together they shared 63 years of marriage. Their greatest joy was their family, including daughter Mary Margaret Taylor (Chris) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son Ralph W Hoerner III (Jack) (Jen) of Beaufort, South Carolina and three grandchildren, Grant, Alexandra “Allie”, and Caden Taylor.

Jack built a successful career with the Union Railroad, a division of U.S. Steel. A dedicated employee, he rose to become Manager of Industrial Engineering for the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad before retiring in 1993.

Retirement opened a new chapter of adventure for Jack and Andy. After moving to Sun Lakes, Arizona, they enjoyed the beauty of the Southwest. They enjoyed throughout the United States and Europe, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way. In 2010, they moved to Sun City Hilton Head, South Carolina, where they were happy to be closer to family on the east coast.

Jack and Andy were active members of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church for two decades, where Jack served as a trustee and church treasurer. He spent many happy hours watching Steelers football, keeping up with the news and stock market, golfing with friends and playing poker.

Above all, he loved his family and they enjoyed many visits, vacations and celebrations together. One of his most memorable adventures was a High Adventure trip to Canada with his son and Boy Scout Troop 184, an experience he fondly remembered for years.

Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Hoerner. He is survived by his sister, Theresa Deery (John), of Sun City Hilton Head. Jack will be remembered for his easy smile, quiet strength and deep love for his family. He was a kind and dependable man whose presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.