Robert Kenneth Orr

January 26, 1945 - August 22, 2019

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Obituary For Robert Kenneth Orr

Robert (Bob) Kenneth Orr, 74, died suddenly Thursday, August 22, 2019. Bob was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, the son of Kenneth and Rosemary Orr. He attended Syracuse University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Thomson, in 1967. His employment history includes working for General Electric in Utica, NY and Daytona Beach, FL prior to moving to North Carolina and working in Personnel at UNC Chapel Hill. Being an entrepreneur at heart, Bob opened Swensen’s on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh in the 1980’s.

As the eldest son, Bob truly loved being there for his family and to offer his support to help them reach their full potential. Bob was an avid sports fan and also had a passion for rescuing abandoned dogs and cats.

Bob was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his spouse, Beverly; his mother, Rosemary; and siblings, Robin Burlingame, Randy (Susan) Orr, and Dawn Smith, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at eleven o'clock in the morning at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Raleigh. A visitation will precede the mass at 10:00 am. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Syracuse, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Eternal Word Television Network (www.ewtn.com) or Second Chance Pet Adoptions (www.secondchancenc.org).

Services

28 Aug

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 2718 Overbrook Drive RALEIGH, NC 27608 Get Directions »
28 Aug

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church 2718 Overbrook Drive RALEIGH, NC 27608 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • September 01, 2020

    Alice Young

    Bob and I were sorry to hear of Bob's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers...May he rest in peace. Alice (Christ) and Bob Young

  • September 01, 2020

    Bert N Hodges

    Lit a candle in memory of Robert Kenneth Orr

  • September 01, 2020

    Donna Solomon Lavonier

    Bev, so sorry about he passing of Bob. I remember you and Bob from high school. Prayers for you and your family. Donna Solomon Lavonier

  • September 01, 2020

    David Middleton

    My sincerest condolences. I am so sad to see Bob pass. We knew each other from birth and grew up close. Our families were practically joined at the hip. Our Mothers were life long best friends as were our dads. I remember when Bob introduced me to Beverly as teenagers. He was so crazy about her and with good reason. So, my prayers for you all, Beverly, Randy, Robin, Dawn, Rosemary. I know my mom is looking down at you all as Bob joins his Dad in heaven. My sister Linda shares all these thoughts. Dave Middleton

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