News Summary
The Erie community mourns the loss of Edward J. Orr, a dedicated veteran, firefighter, and passionate golfer who passed away at 77. His legacy of service, love for family, and commitment to golf inspired many. Friends and family are invited to honor his memory during visitation and a funeral service. Ed leaves behind a cherished family and a community forever touched by his spirit.
Farewell to Edward J. “Ed” Orr: A Life of Service and Passion
Erie is mourning the loss of a beloved community member, Edward J. “Ed” Orr, who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Saint Vincent Hospital. Ed’s rich life was filled with service, love for family, and an enduring passion for the sport of golf, making him a well-respected figure in the neighborhood.
A Lifelong Journey Begins
Born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, Ed was the cherished son of Harry and Anna Louise (Bostaph) Orr. From a young age, he demonstrated a strong sense of duty and resilience. His journey took a profound turn when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as a corporal during the Vietnam War. Completing three tours of duty, Ed exemplified bravery and dedication, traits that would stay with him throughout his life.
A Career of Valor
After returning from military service, Ed transitioned to civilian life but continued to serve his community in a different way. He embarked on an award-winning firefighting career with the City of Erie, dedicating over three decades to protecting the lives of others. The mid-1990s marked his retirement from this honorable profession, but Ed’s spirit of service didn’t end there.
In the years that followed, he took on the role of a rural mail carrier in the Fairview area. This new chapter only added to the many lives he touched, as he delivered letters and packages with a warm smile, further engraining himself into the fabric of the community he loved.
Passions Beyond Service
Outside of his professional endeavors, Ed found great joy in golf, an enthusiasm that stretched far and wide. Ed’s love for the sport turned into cherished traditions with annual trips to Myrtle Beach, a yearly pilgrimage for golf enthusiasts. Not content to stick to one region, he also played on the courses of Arizona and Florida, where he enjoyed the sun alongside his friends.
His commitment to the game extended to local golf leagues at Whispering Woods and Riverside, and even in the greater Pittsburgh area. Those who played alongside him recognized his warm spirit and competitive nature, which made golf not just a sport for him, but a bonding experience with friends.
A Loving Family Man
Ed was preceded in death by his infant siblings, but he leaves behind a loving family who will carry on his legacy. His wife, Fidelis “Fil” (Willis) Orr, and their daughter, Jillian “Jill” Orr, are joined in remembrance by Ed’s sister, Geraldine Kosko, along with several nieces and nephews who cherished every moment they spent with him. His family remembers him not just as a firefighter or a golfer but as a devoted family man who infused laughter and love into their lives.
Final Goodbyes
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory on Friday, where visitation will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. A service honoring Ed’s life will be held on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at the same location, followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of Peace Church at 1 p.m. Afterward, Ed will be laid to rest at Cambridge Springs Cemetery, where he can eternally rest among loved ones.
Honoring His Memory
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the First Responders Children’s Foundation or Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, organizations that continue the spirit of service and dedication that Ed embodied throughout his life.
As Erie reflects on the life of Edward J. Orr, it’s clear that his spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of bravery, community service, and passion for golf will inspire generations to come.
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Additional Resources
- GoErie Obituary for Ed Orr
- Legacy: Donald Orr Obituary
- Legacy: Dennis Orr Obituary
- York Daily Record: Clergy Abuse Report
- York Daily Record: Ed Orr Tribute
- Wikipedia: Edward Orr
- Google Search: Edward Orr
- Google Scholar: Edward Orr
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Edward Orr
- Google News: Edward Orr
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
