Kevin R. VanOrman

Kevin R. VanOrman

Nov. 30, 1952 - Dec. 6, 2023

AURORA - Kevin R. VanOrman, 71, of Aurora, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with his family by his side. A lifelong resident of Aurora, NY, Kevin was born November 30, 1952, in Auburn, NY to James and Isabelle VanOrman of Aurora, NY.

Kevin was a 40+ year employee of Wells College as a maintenance worker/heavy machine operator in the Buildings and Grounds Department. You could often find Kevin behind the wheels of the college's backhoe around the campus and the village.

From a young age, Kevin had a love of the outdoors and in later years was known as a dendrophile, bird watcher, and gardener. He took pride in his gardens (plant and rock) and loved sitting under the gazebo watching the birds visit their feeders. Kevin could also be found watching stars and staying up late to watch meteor showers.

Kevin was fascinated by evolving technologies and always had to have the latest gadgets to explore - from cell phones as big as your head in the 90s, to VR glasses and the newest smart phones. But what Kevin loved above all was his family.

Always supportive, loving, and incredibly proud of the family he and Kit cultivated; he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather - or "Opa" as he is known to his grandchildren. He loved giving his grandchildren coins and pondering maze books. Kevin also cultivated a large extended family of friends near and far. To all, Kevin was a friendly face, listening ear, and arms to hold when you needed it. He could be your second father, big brother, or kind friend.

Surviving Kevin is his wife, Kit (Harrison) VanOrman; their two children: Rebecca VanOrman (Jorge Lugo) and Jason VanOrman (Katie); and his four grandchildren: Wesley, Arlo, Dalia, and Harrison; as well as his sisters: Isabel Lester and Juanita Wilson; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Isabelle VanOrman, his brother, James "Nicky" VanOrman, Jr., and sister, Mary Anne Chapin.

A service to celebrate the life of Kevin will be at 1:00 PM, on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 303 Main Street, in Aurora, NY. A reception for family and friends will follow. An interment will be held privately for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in support of the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Brew/Shakelton Funeral Homes.