Robert L. Orso Sr.

Robert L. "Bob" Orso Sr., 70, of 1712 Almond St., passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2009 surrounded by his loving family.

Bob married the love of his life, the former Virginia L. Brown of Bodines on Feb. 10, 1968.

Bob worked at the former Avco in 1963, leaving in 1972 to work for the City of Williamsport until 1981 and retired from Penn DOT in 2001. He was the longest reigning Director of Public Services for the City and served three Mayors.

Bob was also the Clinton County PennDOT Maintenance Manager for 15 years and completed his service with Penn DOT in Clearfield, serving as the Quality/Employee Coordinator, training employees throughout the Commonwealth on employee involvement.

Bob was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, a graduate of the Williamsport High School class of 1956 and the Williamsport Technical Institute.

Bob served as both Campaign Chairman and Board President of the Clinton County United Way, serving on the board for 13 years as well as the Clinton County Economic Partnership and the Board of North Central Sight Services and Past Chairman of the 18 county North Central Multiple Sclerosis Society.

In addition, Bob was very active in the Williamsport Jaycees, the Pennsylvania Jaycees and the United States Jaycees from 1968 to 1978 and was presented the USJC Lifetime Senator Award, which he maintained to the present. He led the Williamsport Jaycees to their highest membership.

Bob was also a member of the NRA, Consolidated Sportmen of Lycoming County, Susquehanna Chapter of the Friends of the NRA, Wheel Inn, Better Breathers Group of Susquehanna Health System (SHS), WAHS Soccer Boosters and the Williamsport Notre Dame Club. He enjoyed youth sports and especially watching his grandchildren play soccer and football.

Born Oct. 24, 1938 in Williamsport, he was the son of Carl L. and Mae Durkee Orso Sr. and lived his entire life in Williamsport.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 41 years are sons, Robert L. (Christy) Jr. of Boalsburg, Edward M. in Iraq and David C. of Orangeville; daughters, Kelly A. Orso of Williamsport, Christina M. Orso in Fla. and Robin A. (Doug) Betz of Nisbet; brother, Carl L. Orso, Jr. of Williamsport; sisters, Jean (Robert C.) Fox of Williamsport and Jane (Kenneth) Liddic of Cogan Station; 10 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents and sisters, Ella Johnson and Elizabeth Biddle.

Bob loved his life and was very fond of his friends. He was forever thankful for the efforts of the Pulmonary Wellness of SHS, Hub's Oxygen Service and the many "coffee" friends at Wegmans as well as the staff and management of Wegmans.

Private graveside services will be at the convenience of the family at Wildwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, Bob requests donations in his memory may be made to North Central Sight Services, P. O. Box 3292 or the Susquehanna Health Better Breathers Group, 777 Rural Ave., both Williamsport, PA 17701.

Thanks to my wife and everyone for a wonderful life.

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