John P. Orr of Ralston passed away Sunday May 26th, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born January 26th, 1954, in Williamsport to John and Mary Orr. His family would eventually move to Ralston where he was raised and lived for nearly 61 years. He became a pillar in the community and surrounding areas in various capacities throughout his life.

John was a man of many talents and as he would say he was a Jack of all trades and a Master at none. He was a 1971 graduate of Canton Jr. and Sr. High School. He attended Lock Haven State University earning a BS in Secondary education with a minor in History in 1975. He worked for a short period as a teacher in Williamsport. He worked summers in the mines at Jones and Bragg and eventually worked full time for the company. He then moved on to become an Electrician working for multiple companies and then joining the IBEW Union #812. He would retire as an Electrician in 2018.

John's other full-time job was that of serving his community as a loyal member of the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department for the last 52 years and has served as Chief 17 for the last 24 years. He has held various positions within many different Fire and EMS departments throughout Lycoming and Bradford counties. He started his EMS career in 1975 by obtaining his EMT license. He continued to Paramedic school at Soldiers and Sailor's Hospital, Wellsboro PA and graduated in 1988. He worked as a paramedic and EMS instructor with multiple ambulance services including Soldiers and Sailor's hospital, Divine Providence Hospital, Bradford County EMS, and Susquehanna Health Systems. He also held many certifications on the Fire side of his training skills.

Mostly recently he was an integral part of forming the Northern Lycoming Fire, Rescue and EMS, where he was able to help struggling Fire and EMS departments merge to create a local alliance between multiple companies. This alliance was created out of a need for more volunteers in local departments and by creating the alliance it is to help his brothers and sisters fight fires together, run ambulance calls together and train together.

Although we can keep going with the numerous accolades, achievements and awards bestowed to John, I digress and we could very well end up needing a full page, if not 2-page obituary!

Within the Ralston community, he also became the town historian. He has collections of books, pictures, and stories on the days of old and the early beginnings of the town of Ralston and the communities which began on Rock Run and Red Run mountains. He also served the Ralston Area Joint Authority as manager since 1997 and carried his State Board Certification as a Water Systems Operator.

John's hobbies included reading history books, train books, playing solitaire on the computer, napping in his favorite chair, attending his grandchildren activities, and also setting off a good 8inch firework almost every 4th of July. He was a life member of the Wheel Inn and Red Run Rod and Gun club and a member of the Marine Corps League Post #522. He also belonged to the IBEW Union #812.

His greatest accomplishment has been the role of patriarch to his family. He married the former

Gale Reese of Ralston in 1975 and they would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary on June 28th, 2024. They made their homestead in Ralston and raised two daughters. But nothing has compared to the joy and pride he had for his six grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Gale, daughters Angela (Thomas) Height and Breana Allen. Grandchildren Reese Allen who is following in his footsteps at Lock Haven University. Brady Allen who has gone on to enter the trade field like his Pop-Pop and is working as a HVAC technician. Ava Allen who is the token "favorite Granddaughter".  Cooper Allen who has always kept Pop-Pop on his what is he doing now game. Jon Height, who although has a different spelling was named after his Pop-Pop John. And finally, Russell Height who has been gifted John's sense of humor and quick wit to which John has received many jabs right back at him. AKA Meathead!!

Also surviving are 3 brothers, David (Gemaine) Orr, William Orr, and James (Tina) Gibbons and his most loving sister Kathy (Michael) Morse. Numerous nieces and nephews and now even great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 11-1pm, on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Ralston Fire Hall. A memorial service will follow and the day will conclude with a luncheon provided by his brothers and sisters of the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department. All are welcome to attend. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in John's memory to the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 1 Ralston, PA 17763.  Memories of John and condolences to the family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com