John L.Orr
John L. Orr | Excavation contractor, 80
John L. Orr, 80, of Folsom, a former Korean War veteran, Philadelphia police officer, and excavating contractor, died of kidney failure Monday at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.
Mr. Orr grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and graduated from John Bartram High School. After service in the Army in Korea, he worked for General Electric Co. in Philadelphia before joining the Police Department in 1956.
He remained on the force until 1968, when he partnered with childhood friend Bud Batty to establish Batty & Orr in Philadelphia. The excavation company's clients including the City of Philadelphia and local plumbing companies. He retired in the early 1990s.
Mr. Orr enjoyed annual vacations with his family on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, visits to casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and travel, including to Florida in the winter. He read military history and mysteries, and delighted in stories about the Mafia, said his daughter, Susan Fida.
In addition to his daughter, Mr. Orr is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Rickert Orr; a son, John Jr.; a sister; and five grandchildren.
A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Toppitzer Funeral Home, 2900 State Rd., Drexel Hill. Friends may call at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery, Drexel Hill.
