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Balazs Martin "Bill" Orban

About

Ohio State University

Balazs Orban Obituary

(93) died on August 3, 2016 at Bay Pines VA hospital, surrounded by family and loved ones.He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on Jan. 4, 1923, the son of Hungarian immigrants, Balazs and Agnes Orban. During WWII, Bill was a B24 bomber pilot, serving in the 801st/492nd bomber group, as part of the OSS "Carpetbaggers", dropping spies and supplies to the resistance fighters in France and Norway. He received the US Army Air Corp Air Medal for meritorious achievement. In May 2015, he participated in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC for Veterans. He also received the French Legion of Honor award. Bill attended Ohio State University. In 1945, he married Shirley Chaminade from Birmingham, Michigan. In 1946, he purchased Medina Greenhouses in Medina, Ohio. In 1953, he began coming to Bradenton, Fl. He owned the Flower Garden on Holmes Beach. In 1975, he sold the Ohio greenhouses and moved permanently to Bradenton where he opened Orban's Nursery, specializing in poinsettias. In 2013, he was awarded the Manatee County Outstanding Agriculturist of the Year. Bill was an avid flyer and was featured across the country and internationally when, at the age of 92, he made a skilled emergency landing when his engine died, avoiding people and buildings to put the plane down safely in a vacant lot. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, whose birthday was on the date he died. He is survived by his sister Irene Johnson of Ashland, Ohio, his three children, Carillon Orban (Robert Ritchason), Audrey Moeller (Devin) and Marty Orban (Becky) and five grandchildren, Wendy Garner (Tim), Jessica Trawick (Sonny), Reed Moeller, Whitney Bradberry (Andrew), Remy Orban, Tyler Orban and two great-grandsons, Cole and Reece Garner. His family would like to thank his special friend, Betty Eaton, for her love and support. In honor of this beloved horticulturist, the family requests that, in lieu of donations, give a bouquet or a plant to a friend or loved one. A celebration of his life will be held on August 27th from 2-4pm at the American Legion Hall at 2000 75th St. West, Bradenton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bradenton Herald on Aug. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Balazs Orban

16 Entries

John Lawrence

August 15, 2023

RIP Bill.
A very good man.

Bob & Carole Catineau

August 24, 2016

We loved Bill. Just a great straight up guy. He will be missed.

Manatee County Agricultural Museum

August 24, 2016

We are saddened to hear of Mr. Orban's passing. We hope you all have many fond memories to sustain you during this difficult time.

Bob Ritchason

August 23, 2016

As one of Bill's son in-laws, I knew this wonderful man since the 80's. He was in the Bay Pines VA hospice less than 24 hours. Just before 8:00pm , we noticed his breathing was becoming more shallow. Carillon went to his side and said "It's Mom's birthday. She would love to see you." He took one last breath and was gone. Carillon asked the nurse to check him and she said "yes, he's gone". Carillon excused herself to go to the restroom. Within 10 seconds the nurse brought in a quilt with stars and bars, similar to the American flag and placed it on Bill. I then heard "Amazing Grace" played on the PA, followed by Taps". Within the hour,the VA held a memorial service for Bill, attended by his family.
The VA knows how to honor a fallen hero.

Dick Gulash

August 22, 2016

TRULY, a remarkable man. Will never forget him. Privilege to have known him 45 yrs.

Traci Lincoln Artman

August 22, 2016

The Lincoln Family loves the Orban Family and has so for a very long time! I feel our fathers & other loved ones are celebrating being reunited in Heaven! Mr. Orban was a wonderful, kind and humble man. Our prayers to entire family.
Traci Lincoln Artman (Sharpsburg, GA)

August 22, 2016

So sorry to hear of Cheese's passing enjoyed working with him and remember him driving around in his convertible. . Betty Van Handel Hermitage Pa.

Rick Spears

August 22, 2016

Bill was a great teacher of life and how to treat people with respect. He was very giving, and surprised them with gifts he would bring on flying trips when they were nice and deserved it. And when he did they always returned with their own gifts for him.

June & Bob Scott

August 22, 2016

Bill was a great friend, a lot of fun and a good golfing buddy. We always enjoyed his stories and those pig roasts! He'll be missed by many.
June & Bob Scott

Graham Haile

August 22, 2016

So sorry to hear of Bills passing.Condolences to the family.

Anne Fry

August 21, 2016

What a fun and interesting person. I will especially miss his " hugs "

Brenda Glasser

August 21, 2016

Bill "The Big Cheese" was one of the most fun loving, amazing men I've ever known. The world just lost one of the best from the "Greatest Generation". He will be very missed. Much love and condolences to the Orban family.

Ray and Jackie Lessard

August 21, 2016

Loved all Bill's stories and will miss those along with the twinkle in his eyes. He was certainly one in a million. A person of great fondness for nature and all living things He will truly be missed.

Jake Dye

August 21, 2016

Good friends make life fun and I know my parents (John & Anne Dye) enjoyed their company for many years. Their laughter together and the stories told years later will be remembered and appreciated by the Dye family, and because of them the laughter will continue.

Renee Robbins

August 21, 2016

Bill was an amazing man and truly an inspiration. He was so full of love for everyone and always a pleasure to be around. So happy Betty brought him to Maine summer after summer. Little Sebago Lake folk will miss his sparkle, miss seeing him bike down the road to the barber shop (with no helmet!), miss his stories. We feel blessed to have known him for over a decade. Love, Renee, Gary, Kyle and Tayla Robbins.

John Lawrence

August 21, 2016

Condolences to the family. He was a very good man.

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