Emil Hordov

Emil Hordov, age 68, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, formerly State College, PA passed away unexpectedly on May 20th. 

Emil was born December 29, 1952 on an island off the coast of Zadar, Croatia. By the time he was eleven he was fluent in three languages. His family immigrated to Liege, Belgium when he was five, and then immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York at the age of ten. After only five years in America, he was accepted into the prestigious Brooklyn Technical High School, and his love of engineering took root. He went on to NYU, where he studied Civil Engineering, and later went on to earn an MBA from Syracuse University. While at NYU, he was a member of ROTC.  After graduation he was stationed in Hanau, Germany, where he met Annette, the love of his life and his wife of forty-one years. After four years in Germany, Emil returned to the US, where he and Annette married and started their family. Emil began a career at Corning Glass, first in Corning, NY and then in State College, PA, which lasted twenty-five years until his retirement. Not one to spend his retirement years leisurely, he felt called to share his time and talents in a completely new capacity as Operations Manager for Christ Community Church in State College. Emil worked at Christ Community Church for ten years, before retiring a second time to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. It was Emil and Annette’s lifelong dream to retire to Hilton Head Island, where they had vacationed with their family for many years. 

Emil had a true zest for life and had many passions. He enjoyed crossword puzzles, cycling, boating, traveling, great food, but most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Emil will be remembered by all who met him for his big personality, big heart, and big hair! 

Emil is survived by his wife Annette Wolf Hordov; his children Daniel Hordov and wife Anna; Vanessa Salliotte and husband Bill; Nicholas Hordov; and five wonderful grandchildren, Louisa, Zachary, William, Wyatt, and Frances. 

Emil will be cremated; a celebration of life will be held at Low Country Community Church on June 26th at 11am, with a reception to immediately follow at Moss Creek Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Bluffton Self Help.

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