Orndorff, Henry R., Fair Haven

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Henry R. Orndorff, a resident of Fair Haven since 1961, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 13 at The Chelsea, Tinton Falls. Born in Ridge Farm, Illinois, to the late Blanche Bunting and Frank Orndorff, he lived in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in South Amboy. He graduated as valedictorian from Hoffman High School and received a bachelor of science degree from Newark
State College of Engineering night school after serving in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He attended the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and participated in the convoys to Murmansk, Russia. In 1943 his Liberty ship was torpedoed off the coast of South Africa and he spent six days adrift in a lifeboat before being rescued near Durban.

He spent 40 plus years as a chemical engineer at NL Industries in Sayreville. An avid golfer, he played most of the Monmouth County courses and was 52-year member of Tower Hill church.

Henry was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Margaret Woodruff, in 2013; his sister, Virginia Estelle; and his brothers, Verlyn and Warren. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Duffy of Eatontown; Barbara Creech of Springfield; his grandchildren, William Duffy and his wife Suzanne of Fair Haven, Jonathan Duffy and his wife Kimberly of Lawrenceville, Kristin Schroeder and her husband Thomas of Summit and John Creech of New York City, New York; and four great-grandchildren, Addison, Reagan, Charles Henry and Owen Henry; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation and thanks to the staff of The Chelsea and to the people of Grace Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate his life on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Tower Hill Church, 255 Harding Rd, Red Bank, at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to The First Presbyterian Church at Red Bank, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701 or to Grace Healthcare Services, 105 Fieldcrest Avenue, Suite 402, Edison, NJ 08837. The Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, is in charge of arrangements.