Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, SC
John Roland Orndorff, Born September 22, 1940, in Washington, DC, John R. Orndorff passed away on October 26, 2024, in Murrells Inlet, SC, at the age of 84.
John grew up in Arlington, VA, where he proudly competed in track and field at Washington-Lee High School. He was Indoor Track Virginia State Champion and indoor Virginia State record holder in the broad jump; indoor-sprint champion of Northern Virginia and co-captained the Virginia State Champion Outdoor Track Team in 1958.
John attended Duke University where he was a Naval ROTC student and graduated with a Civil Engineering Degree 1962. Commissioned as an Ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps of the US Navy, John served for 14 months in South Vietnam in 1962-63 as the youngest US commissioned Naval officer in Vietnam at the time. He received a commendation for his work from Lt. General Paul D. Harkins, Commanding Officer of all US military personnel in Vietnam. He returned to the States for his final tour as officer in Charge of the Utilitiesman School at the US Naval Schools, Construction at Port Hueneme, California. He later retired from the Navy with the rank of full Lieutenant.
John attended Johns Hopkins University where he received a Master's Degree in Sanitary Engineering and Water Resources in 1966. John was then employed as a public health engineer at various levels and locations for 35 years by the New York State Department of Health, living in Johnstown, Pittsford and Clifton Park, NY. During his professional career, he was a Licensed Professional Engineer in New York State since 1967, a life member of the American Water Works Association, and a Diplomate (member) of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. He was a past-President of the New York State Chapter of the American Water Resources Association and Chairman of the Environmental Board of the Town of Pittsford in Monroe County, New York. He was also a Life Member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars associations.
John retired in 2001, and in 2004 he and his wife bought their home in Murrells Inlet, SC, moving there permanently in 2007. While in South Carolina he served in several capacities on the Roads Committee and Drainage Committee of the Indigo Creek Community Services Association (the HOA) and was President of the Association. He also sang in the choir of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and in the Olde Tyme Singers.
John is survived by his wife of 56 years Marsha Clemente, originally from Gloversville, NY. He is also survived by three children: Andrew Orndorff (Kathleen) of Crofton, MD, Jonathan Orndorff (Michele) of Darien, CT, and Katherine (Orndorff) Sullivan (Christopher) of Windsor, CO, and four grandchildren, Ayden, Lilly-Ann, and Grady Sullivan of Windsor, CO and Jacob Orndorff of Darien, CT. He is also survived by his sister, Carol O. Bricker of Rochester Hills, MI. John was predeceased by his parents, Roy Lee and Dorothy Pullen Orndorff, and by his older brother Roy Lee (Pete) Orndorff Jr.
John loved South Carolina and the Murrells Inlet community. His interests included most sports, reading, history, art, archeology and trivia. He remained a track and field fan, Washington Redskins (Commanders), and Duke University basketball enthusiast all his life.
A proud veteran, John suffered for many years from the painful effects of Agent Orange exposure while in Vietnam. His wife Marsha's love and dedication to his care ensured that John was as comfortable as he could be in his final years.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 31, 2024 at 2:00PM at St. Michael Catholic Church, 542 Cypress Ave, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. The family will gather in the narthex of the church from 1:30pm, until the time of service. Burial with military honors will be held at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA 22172 on Friday November 8, 2024 at 10:30AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gary Sinese Foundation, Mercy Ships, or Covenant House.
To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guest book, visit, www.burroughsfh.com.
Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.
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