Avo T. Ora

Avo T. Ora passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, after a long illness. Avo was born in Vandra, Estonia on March 17, 1930, where he spent his childhood on his family farm. Avo, along with his parents Vilma and Heinrich and brother Henry, fled Estonia when the soviets invaded the country during WWII. From there, they made their way to allied controlled Germany and then emigrated to the US where the family settled in Connecticut.
A graduate of the University of Connecticut in 1955, Avo earned his degree in Structural Civil Engineering and began his career at the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation. A member of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, his career included many professional achievements as well as notable events. Avo was one of the first engineers called to the scene of the Mianus River Bridge collapse on the fateful morning of June 1983. Avo's leadership and expertise in civil engineering and bridge design were critical during this investigation. He was proud to be a part of the team who participated in the effort to ensure this would never happen again. Avo retired from his career as Chief of Design from DOT in 1985 and went into private practice with H.W. Lochner, Inc. in 1985 and Steinman, Boynton, Gronquist & Birdsall in 1990.
Avo was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Tiina whom he adored and wed in 1968. He was also a devoted and loving father to his children and raised them with kindness, compassion and a solid work ethic. His kindness and big heart reached out to others, even during his illness. He took great pride in his home which he designed and built on land purchased in 1958. The landscaping and gardens in their heyday were spectacular, a result of the time and passion he put into tending them alongside the children.
Once retired, Avo slowed down and focused primarily on his raspberry garden. Hours upon hours were spent tending his raspberry bushes; the colder months were spent in his workshop woodworking, results of which he gifted to many family and friends over the years. Avo was a lover of all things German Shepard. He trained and raised his dogs Rolf, Loit, Jaksu and Gusti, all working dogs who sired litters for the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.
Avo took great pride in his heritage and was an active member of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Ugala Fraternity, as well as a loyal participant and leader in the Estonian community in Connecticut. This community was his extended family, many of whom he first met and befriended as similar refugees in Germany.
Avo will always be know as a devoted and enthusiastic UConn Basketball fan and in his later years he rarely missed a UConn women's basketball game.
Avo was predeceased by his brother Henry O. Ora. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Tiina, his children Karin Motta of Wethersfield, CT, Avo E. Ora and wife Kulliki Talp of London, UK, Allan and Alejandra Ora of Pompano Beach, FL, and his sister-in-law Leili Ora of Ivoryton, CT.
He was the proud grandfather of Richard and Alexandra Motta, August Ora, and Lariza and Eliza Ora.
Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the McLean nursing staff who adored and tended to Avo during his stay. We appreciate each one of you who participated in his care.
A memorial service will be held on June 8th beginning with visitation from 10-11 am at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, the Estonian American National Council and the Alzheimers Research Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com
Avo