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).