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Robert “Bob” Walter Orr, Sr, 81, of Noblesville, Indiana was received into his Lord’s presence on Friday, October 15, 2021. A son of the late Walter Charles and Madeline (Matthews) Orr. Bob and his twin brother, Ken were born on October 29,1939 in Brooklyn, NY.
Bob and Ken had an incredible bond that only twins will understand. From playing ball and getting into trouble during their early years in Brooklyn, adventures during their teen years in Ocean Grove, NJ and eventually raising their families together. They created a legacy that is carried on by their families today.
A graduate of Neptune High School and Monmouth University, Bob spent most of his career working for the Township of Neptune as Deputy Treasurer.
For many years, Bob was an active and vital member of the Ocean Grove, NJ community. From an early age, he served the people of the town as a Volunteer Firefighter and First Aid Responder (for over 50 years), ushered for the Ocean Grove Auditorium, played and sang in various choirs and brass bands including the Ocean Grove Summer Band program and participated in the planning and execution of many parades and celebrations. He retired in 2001 and relocated to Beaver Falls, PA.
Throughout his life, he was an athlete who loved playing basketball and spent many years bowling with his Dad, Ken and best friends, Herb Noack and Dick Furbeck. What made this aspect of his life even more impressive than his many achievements is that he overcame a birth defect that left him with a much shorter left leg. It never slowed him down, even through the years when he endured many surgeries required just to keep him standing.
Music was an integral part of his life from the very beginning. He spent many hours practicing the cornet with Ken and his father. He had amazing experiences such as playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers at their Christmas party and marching in the Baldwin Wallace College band. He developed an amazing tenor voice and sang in many choirs and music programs. Later on, he learned other instruments such as the baritone and entertained people during Christmas celebrations in the Ocean Grove Fireman’s Park and Ocean Grove Summer Band. He also learned the guitar and spent time playing and signing along with his sons.
Bob was also an incredibly dedicated father. He loved his children and spent just about any free time, including lunch breaks, to be there for them in every way he could. Many hours were spent watching soccer games, softball games, basketball games and swimming meets. His son would see him frequently spending his lunchbreak on the Ocean Grove pier watching him surf. He also spent several years as an assistant Scout Master during the time his sons were active in the scouting program. Bob met the love of his life in Ocean Grove, during the summer of 1966, while working at the Seaside Hotel.
He married Norma Jane Hays on August 12,1967 and they created an amazing life together, raising their family and loving the Lord for over 54 years. Most importantly, he served the Lord in many ways. An active member of the Salvation Army in his early years, he sang tenor in the St. Paul’s Methodist Church choir and served as a Deacon and Elder in Good Shephard Orthodox Presbyterian Church (NJ) and First Reformed Presbyterian Church (PA). He spent many nights leading family devotions and bible studies at his current residence in Indiana. He participated in the music ministry at Community Baptist Church (NJ) and was a member of Tusca Reformed Presbyterian Church in Brighton Township, PA.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Norma Jane (Hays) Orr; his sons and daughters-in-law, Robert W. Jr and Nicole Orr of Fishers, IN, Jeffrey Todd and Brenda Orr of Farmingdale, NJ and Timothy R. Orr of Brick, NJ; his daughter and son-in-law, Afton E. and Matthew Pelton of Beaver Falls, PA; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter and Madeline Orr and his twin brother, Kenneth Orr.
Friends will be received Wednesday, October 20th, from 5-8 p.m. in the HILL AND KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls, where a Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m.
Internment will take place at the Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery of New Galilee, (Sylvania Drive, Darlington, PA) immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Tusca Area Reformed Presbyterian Church, PO Box 526, Beaver, PA 15009
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