Contributions to the tribute of Richard Joseph Orr

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Saturday, August 21, 2021

I went to school with Richard in grafton Ohio Eaton and mid view.

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Todd Spivak posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

To be clear -- I'm not a "math guy." I was not a top student in Professor Orr's Discrete Math for Technologists series. But there was something there -- the dry humor, the obvious fun he had with the subject. It was clear -- he really cared about the material, to impart a love of the content beyond the short-term "get a co-op / get a job" focus of undergraduate students at RIT. It's something that is so obvious as an adult -- and much harder to appreciate as a student. Most of the professors I remember at RIT were outside of my college and outside my major. Professor Orr is the professor whose classes I'd most want to re-take as an adult, to observe, to just enjoy the content and also the classroom dynamic. When I share my adult-context excitement for math with my young kids, Professor Orr is there. I hope his family and loved ones find appreciation in my memories from 20 years ago. His memory certainly is a blessing!

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Jeanne Orr Posted Jun 30, 2021 at 9:03 PM

Todd, I’d like to take a moment and thank you for sharing your memories of my brother! It’s heartwarming to hear how highly your loved one has been thought of by others. Sincerely, Jeanne Orr

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June Popielarz posted a condolence

Thursday, February 11, 2021

I took a couple of classes with Professor Orr and, because they weren't easy, I got to know him by going to his office hours. He was always willing to help and encourage young mathematicians. After taking Differential Equations and getting a C in his class I was asked to tutor someone taking it the following quarter. I wasn't confident that I was a good choice given my grade but he said "There is nothing like teaching a subject to someone else to learn it better yourself." He was right and I've been reminded of that several times in my life. He was a kind man with a sense of humor that always snuck up on me. I was actually thinking and talking about him quite a bit lately as my son is taking Differential Equations at Case Western Reserve University this semester. My condolences to his family. I'll make a contribution the St. Joseph's Indian School, a favorite charity of my father as well. June Popielarz, RIT SMAC '86

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Jeanne Orr Posted Feb 12, 2021 at 12:45 AM

What a lovely tribute to my brother...thank you for sharing your experiences. (And what a small world, in the early 60s Richard was both a student and instructor at Case)

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Sophia Maggelakis pledged to donate to Rochester Regional Hospital Cancer Center

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Sending our deepest sympathies in this difficult time. Your friends in the RIT, College of Science

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Dr. Naik Dharavath posted a condolence

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Dear Orr Family: Please accept my deepest condolences. I came to know Prof. Richard J. Orr in January 1994 during my undergraduate studies at Rochester Inst of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY. It has been almost 27 years now…... A day never goes by without me thinking about him and what he meant in my life. He was like a father to me for the last 27 years and will be forever! Prof. Orr was an inspiration for my education (B.S. to Ph.D.) at various Universities (1994 – 2002). In a way, he was the foundation for my success. As per his wishes, I didn’t disappoint him academically/professionally. He attended all my graduation ceremonies regardless of his busy teaching schedule at RIT. I felt cheerful in his presence. Indeed, I was very happy when we traveled together to see places in Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Toronto, Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota. I will never forget the conversations, support/love/care, all that he had extended to me since I met him in January 1994. I may add that without his influence I wouldn’t be where I am. Coming from a remote/rural part of INDIA to RIT (Rochester, NY) and meeting him was a god-given gift to me. Today (January 16, 2021), I am deeply saddened upon hearing of his passing because he was the most beloved person in my life. I am so grateful for having been able to call him Dad/Papa. Thank you Tom/Deb & Bill/Peggy for letting me meet you all on Christmas Day with him in year 1994. Dr. Naik Dharavath, Professor School of Engineering & Technology Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut 06050

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Jeanne Orr Posted Jan 17, 2021 at 10:10 PM

Naik, it was great to read of your many successes and I am glad we had the opportunity to meet. Dick was the best big brother a girl could have! Feel free to contact me at o47jeannemarie@yahoo.com ‘Aunty’ Jeanne

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Marcia Birken posted a condolence

Friday, January 15, 2021

I am so very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Dick was a true mentor and a dear, dear friend. We were Assistant Department Heads at the same time - Dick for Programs and myself for students. I enjoyed his warmth, humor and keen mathematical mind. Marcia Birken Professor Emerita, School of Mathematical Sciences

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Jeanne Orr Posted Jan 19, 2021 at 10:14 PM

Your condolences are appreciated... it’s heartening to read such lovely words about my brother. Thank you, Jeanne Orr

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S.Kumar lit a candle

Friday, January 15, 2021

Very saddened to know that Dick is no more. He was a terrific mathematician, an excellent teacher and, above all, a congenial friend and mentor. As a junior faculty, I had the benefit of his advice and guidance until Dick retired from RIT. Learned lot from him. Will miss this gentle friend, his humor and wisdom. My heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP, Dick. Kumar

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Jeanne Orr Posted Jan 19, 2021 at 10:21 PM

Thank you for your kind words about my brother, Dick, they were most comforting. Thank you again, Jeanne Orr

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Theresa Fail lit a candle

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Bill, Peggy and family , We are so sorry to hear about Dick. We hope you can take some comfort in knowing he is at peace and not suffering anymore. Dick was a great guy who loved his family very much . Ric and I enjoyed spending time with him when he came to Akron during the holidays. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time . We love you ! Theresa and Ric

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The family of Richard Joseph Orr uploaded a photo

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Richard Joseph Orr

1939 - 2021

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