Orr

Joseph H. Orr Jr. is being remembered as a leader in the local construction industry.

Orr, 92, of Duncansville, died Sunday at his home.

A 1947 graduate of Altoona High School and a 1952 graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in civil engineering, Orr joined his father in the family construction business J.C. Orr and Son in 1955 and led the firm as president for 30 years.

Under his leadership, numerous area buildings were constructed, including the Altoona Mercy Hospital, the Bell Telephone building, Gable’s parking garage, the 11th Avenue parking garage, the Chapel and Smith building at Penn State Altoona and Eisenhower Auditorium, the Walker Building, Ag Arena and the Rec Hall Annex at Penn State University Park.

“My father successfully led our company into the 21st century,” said his son, Joseph H. Orr III, CEO/president of J.C. Orr and Son.

“All of the buildings that were constructed during his tenure are a testament to his leadership and vision,” he said. “He was a compassionate leader, and the hundreds of people he employed would agree.”

Others in the construction industry remember Orr well.

“I competed against him for years,” said Ralph J. Albarano, owner of Ralph J. Albarano and Sons, Duncansville.

“J.C. Orr and Son was a major player in the construction industry in central Pennsylvania. He was a fine gentleman from the few times I met him at bid openings,” Albarano said.

Maurice Lawruk Sr., founder of Lawruk Builders Inc., said Orr was well respected and a good man.

“He was an asset to our community and will be greatly missed,” Lawruk added.

Longtime employee Tim Gutshall, now company project manager and general superintendent, was hired by Orr in 1995.

“Man what a guy, he was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a good friend,” Gutshall said. “He treated me like family. He was a good man, he took care of his people through the lean times; he was an all-around good guy.”

Orr was involved in a number of community organizations throughout the years, serving as president of the Altoona YMCA Board, Lakemont Park Citizens Advisory Council, Keystone Contractors Association and Fifth Avenue Methodist Church Council. Orr and his family have also been big supporters of model railroading throughout the years.

Lee Hite, past CEO of The Hite Co., said Orr was always very fair in his dealings.

“He always tried to promote buying locally,” Hite said.

PennCrest Bank President/CEO William Ritenour said that while the community mourns Orr’s passing, it is also celebrating his wonderful lifetime achievement.

“Mr. Orr’s legacy at PennCrest Bank is that of a difference maker,” Ritenour said.

Orr is survived by five children: Joe, Jeni, Jeigh, Jessica and Juliet; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.