John Wayne Orr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Wayne Orr, who left us peacefully on January 25, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on October 15, 1942, John lived a life full of laughter, love, and pride. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Louise Tompkins Orr, with whom he shared a lifetime of devotion and partnership. He was also predeceased by his parents, Raymond Wesley Hoare and Mary Eloise Woodford Hoare Allhusen, his sister-in-law Susan Brown Masters, brother-in-law Charles Brown, and brother Richard Hoare.

John was a proud graduate of Ithaca and attended General Motors School in Buffalo. He honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve and gave back to his community through his work with the Number 2 Volunteer Fireman’s Association of Ithaca. John worked at NYSEG as a lineman for 25 years.

He leaves behind his two devoted daughters, Tracy (Jason) Eygnor and Barbie Williams (Hoppy Zimmerman), who will forever carry his stories, humor, and love in their hearts. He was the cherished grandfather of Bobby (Kaitlynn) Polcaro, Jimmy (Nichole) Durkee, Jacob Durkee, and Mickey Williams, and the proud great-grandfather of Chance, Kaydan, and Wayne Polcaro, Jackson Durkee, and soon-to-arrive great-grandchildren Willow Mary-Louise Durkee and Sawyer Paul Durkee. John is also survived by his loving sister Carole Hotelling, niece Julie Abrams, nephews Ken and Brian Hotelling, niece Vanessa Brown and nephew Michael Brown, and many great-nieces and nephews who will remember his corny jokes and contagious laughter.

John truly lived up to his legendary name—“John Wayne”—known by friends and family alike for his iconic hats, love of gun-slinging, Harley motorcycles and his unmistakable black trucks. He shared an everlasting love for Mary, the “love of his life,” and held immense pride for his family. In younger years, John and his brother-in-law Charles Brown were famous for their playful mischief and adventures.

A passionate collector and marksman, John was a proud member of the Lansing Rod and Gun Club for many years, where he built lasting friendships and shared his enthusiasm for the sport.

John’s legacy is one of laughter, love, and loyalty—a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and always found joy in sharing a good joke. His spirit will continue to live on in all who had the blessing of knowing him.

A private burial at East Lawn Cemetery will be held in May. Please hold onto your fond memories, which honors a life well-lived.

“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” — John Wayne