de Hoernle, Count and Countess
Count (1903-1998) and Countess (1912-2016) de Hoernle both emigrated from Germany to New York in their youth. Adolph, Count de Hoernle, came alone from Pforzheim in 1926. The Countess, born Henrietta Rach in Karlsruhe, sailed with her grandparents in 1930 after completing business college. Two days before the voyage, she placed third in a national sportsmanship event but refused the opportunity to represent Germany in the Olympics.
When she married Adolph, Count de Hoernle, in 1950, the Countess finally had the resources to give as she had dreamed. The de Hoernles began their philanthropy in Bronxville, New York, by donating a hospital wing, scholarships to opera singers, and more.
After the Count retired from his manufacturing business, he and the Countess settled in Boca Raton in 1978. They quickly found another hospital to help, Boca Raton Community Hospital, as well as other causes. The Count passed away in 1998.
By 2006, the Countess said she had been working with thirty-six organizations and served on sixteen boards.She hoped to inspire others to give, as she had been inspired, by putting the de Hoernle name on buildings and street signs. She said her motto is to “Give while you live, and you know where it goes.”
Beneficiaries of the de Hoernles’ philanthropy have often been in Boca Raton, such as the Caldwell Theater, Lynn University, and Boca Raton Historical Society, but they have also included YMCA, United Way, American Red Cross, Palm Beach Community College, and Northwood University in their donations.