Mar 13, 2026

Tallahassee, Fla.

Richard “Dick” Harlan Orndorff passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Tallahassee, Fla., at the age of 87.

He was born in Confluence, PA, on July 9, 1938, a son of the late Elwood and Margaret “Peg” Orndorff.

Dick’s wife of 58 years, Judith “Judy” Holt Orndorff, preceded him in death in 2019. He was also predeceased by his brothers Ross and Lynn.

Dick is survived by his brothers Ray “Bugs” and wife Sharon, and Charlie and wife MaryAnne; daughters Nancy Goldsby and husband Ken, Laurie Davis and husband Billy; grandchildren Jennifer and husband Matt, Christie and husband Alec, Lauren and husband David, and Nathan; and great-grandchildren Felix, Luke, Violet, Charlotte, and Phoebe.

Dick graduated from South Union High School and later attended technical school in Chicago, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

After serving in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, he worked for Square D for most of his career, specializing in control panels for high-torque DC motors used in industrial and transportation applications. Dick’s success at Square D brought him to Cleveland, Milwaukee, Columbia (SC), and Raleigh (NC) until he retired in 2002, but upon retirement, his wife and daughters brought him to Tallahassee to be closer to their extended family. Second only to being with family, Dick was happiest when he was working. The concept of leisure time escaped him, especially when there was yardwork to do. In addition to his job at Square D, Dick repaired TVs and anything else that needed fixing. He used that money to put his daughters through college, but even after all the school loans were paid, he continued to be the automobile and home Mr. Fix-It for family and friends. Whenever he and Judy moved into a new place, Dick immediately began getting it ready to sell. At age 72 he put a new roof on his house with help from one of his brothers. He did not seem to need any help as he single handedly carried bundles of shingles up the ladder, but he enjoyed the company and arguing about how to do it. A decade later Dick often said, “I’m in my 80s and I can still outwork both my sons-in-law.” Dick believed that there were only two ways to do something: his way or the wrong way. Remarkably, his way was usually the best way.

Dick has joined his beloved Judy. We will be reminded of his passing every time something breaks or will not start, but he will be missed for so much more.

Family and friends will be received in the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 East Green Street, Connellsville, PA on Sunday, March 15, from 2 to 5 p.m.; and on Monday, March 16, from 12 to 1 p.m., prior to the funeral service with Rev. Thomas Bonomo officiating. Interment will follow in the Irwin Memorial Cemetery, Ohiopyle.

The family would like to thank Big Bend Hospice and the loving staff at Azelea Gardens in Tallahassee for all the care and compassion they showed Dick.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, Inc., 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, Fla., 32308.