Edward Orr, age 82, of Montgomery, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, May 28, 2023. Called home by his savior, Ed now rests in everlasting life.
He was born June 2, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to proud and loving parents Harry E. and Phyllis Orr.
Ed grew up in Kaneville where he attended local schools, making friends and memories along the country roads and fields of the small community.
Ed graduated from Marmion Military Academy with the class of 1958 and couldn't be prouder of his years as a dedicated cadet.
Ed married almost literally "the girl next door". A whirlwind courtship brought Ed and Sharon K. Suggett to the altar on January 17, 1966. They were blessed with two daughters before grief came to call in 1973 when Sharon passed away. Ed and his girls moved to Aurora to be near his parents, but fate would later intervene and bring Ed a second chance at love. A year of conversation passed before Ed asked Jill Ackerman out on their first date. During that year, Ed purposefully walked his dog past her home just to have a chance to chat. The feeling was mutual and eventually it led them down the aisle on August 2, 2002, creating a blended family that included 2 sons, Caleb and Gilbert Ackerman, who made the new "family" complete.
Ed followed his father's footsteps and worked on Printer's Row in Chicago. Ed became a skilled craftsman and dedicated his time and talent as a lithographer until his retirement in 2001.
Ed was an honored member of the Knights of Columbus, Bellarmine Council #4849 and enjoyed being a part of the yearly fish fry during Lent. He also had an ongoing membership of the unofficial "Harner's Coffee Clutch" where he held court with a donut in one hand and story to share in the other. There was also a group who gathered for "office meetings" on Saturdays at The Office, a local pub where cups of coffee were switched out for mugs of beer and the stories got louder and more boisterous.
Ed may have played B flat cornet in high school, but he loved playing any and all sports. Ambidextrous, Ed dribbled with his left and shot with his right in basketball and made a name for himself on the baseball field. Ed played semi-pro baseball and was scouted by the Chicago White Sox, but when he found he was soon to be a father, Ed decided family trumped everything. He didn't ever want to miss out on tucking in and reading to his children before bedtime, so he gladly put away his bat and glove. Faith was his foundation, and the bedrock was unshakable no matter the obstacle. Ed was a friend to everyone and was happy to talk to anyone about anything and was always cognizant of how lucky and blessed he was. He could see the beauty in a flower in way that few could because he saw the wonder in God's touch through the simplest of things. Animals found a special place in his heart and his pups brought a smile to his face and a warmth to his soul. Ed kept busy outside of work with different intramural sports and leagues, volleyball in particular. He played in the park district league and on the beaches of Chicago. He was a certified referee, coached a daughter and granddaughters, and was known as the "Volleyball King" while coaching at Rosary, Aurora Central and Holy Angels and at Club level. He enjoyed being an active parishioner at Holy Angels for 50 years where he delivered communion to the nursing homes, taught CCD, worked at the food pantry and Hesed House for many years. Ed enjoyed the outdoors as well. He often fished with friends, canoed along the peaceful streams and rivers, but turned it on when it came to the Mid-American Canoe Race. He worked up to a 4th degree black belt and enjoyed the simple beauty of the Isshin-ryu discipline. When he did have time to sit down, a western, often with John Wayne, made the time pass by happily. Ed was a simple man who lived for his faith, for his family, for love and for the laughter shared amongst friends.
He now leaves his loving wife Jill Orr; four children: Kim (Kevin) Smith, Kelly (Mark) McCarney, Caleb Ackerman and Gilbert (Stefanie) Ackerman; 5 grandchildren: Andrew Skaper, Steven Skaper, Shawn McCarney, Sharon McCarney and Christine McCarney; 2 great-grandchildren, Michael Skaper and Emmett Skaper; two sisters: Karyn Orr and Margaret "Meg" (Frank) Bogden; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a community chock full of friends around every corner.
He joins his parents, Harry E. and Phyllis Orr, Sharon Orr and is mother-in-law, Rosemary Marshall who preceded him in death.
A memorial visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, with a Mass to follow at 12 p.m., at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 180 S. Russell Ave., Aurora, IL 60506. Private family burial will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Angels Food Pantry. Checks may be made to the "Holy Angels Food Pantry" and mailed in his name to 180 S. Russell Ave., Aurora, IL, or you donate food items at the pantry’s physical address, 204 S. Russell Ave. Aurora, IL 60506. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
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