Arthur M. Horst

Arthur M. Horst- Former Airline Executive

Arthur Horst, 88, passed away Sunday morning at his residence in Wyomissing Park. He was the former President and CEO of Suburban Airlines. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years Lorraine, and his daughter Lisa.

Art graduated from the University of Toledo and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1943; he flew B-25 bombers during the remainder of World War II. After the war he was employed as a pilot for Allegheny Airlines and Panagra Airlines. He also worked as a flight instructor and manager at Millard Airport in Annville PA. At Millard he acted as a delivery pilot for the Piper Aircraft Corporation delivering new airplanes throughout Central and South America. He joined Reading Aviation Service in 1955 as a flight instructor and charter pilot and retired in 1989 as the president and Chief Executive Officer of Reading Aviation and Suburban Airlines. He was widely recognized as one of the founders of the commuter airline industry in the United States and served as the first president of the Commuter Airline Association of America, Chairman of the Regional Airline Association, and director of the National Avaition Trades Association. He was also a past president of the Berks Manufactures Association.

During his life, Art enjoyed many hobbies, including photography, watercolor painting, sports car rallying, and golfing. He spent his last few years at home with his beloved Golden Retrievers.

He is survived by his son, Craig, husband of Daryl Horst, Cumru Township, and his grandson, Justin, husband of Jacquelyn Horst, Shillington.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.