Horace E. Wadsworth Jr. of Oak Bluffs died June 21 at the age of 79.

He was born on Dec. 13, 1927 in Suffern, N.Y., to Dorothy Greene Wadsworth and Horace E. Wadsworth Sr. He was raised in Nyack, N.Y., and attended the Nyack schools. He enlisted in the Army as soon as he finished high school, and served in World War II. He thereafter attended University of Vermont, graduating with a biochemical degree.

Horace worked in the pharmaceutical industry for many years before becoming a real estate broker. He then opened Exurban Travel Agency, in Nanuet, N.Y., in 1975, specializing in cruises, which he loved. He was an active member of the Young Republican Club of Rockland County in the mid-1960s. He retired in 2003 to move to the Vineyard.

He was an avid Yankee fan but was quite tolerant of his neighbors who backed the Red Sox.

He is best remembered for his sharp and witty sense of humor, his positive outlook, and thoughtfulness. Through several serious illnesses, he never lost this sense of humor. He retained his strong spirit for life and his tenacity to overcome these challenges. This fight for life was an inspiration to those who knew him.

He was so happy living on the Island and in particular the community of the Camp Ground. His son Michael felt that this was responsible for his newfound sense of peace over these last three years, and especially since his last illness.

Horace had a wonderful sense of creativity which was expressed through many years of gourmet cooking for friends and family. He was well known for his elaborate and sumptuous Christmas Eve parties.

One of Horace's loves in life was traveling and meeting people. He and his best friend Bill Blakesley recently took a 16-day river cruise from Amsterdam to Vienna. One of the highlights of this trip was being taken to the home of a Viennese family and getting to know them.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Carolyn Doty Wadsworth; his daughters Robin and Heather of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; his son Michael Sr., grandson Michael Jr., and granddaughter Rachel, all of Flemington, N.J.; his sister Elizabeth Schupner; numerous nephews and a niece; and his dog Lucy.

His funeral service was held Monday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Edgartown. The Rev. Bob Edmunds officiated. Interment followed in Oak Grove Cemetery, Oak Bluffs.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Camp Meeting Association Tabernacle Restoration Fund, P.O. Box 367, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.