Donald J. Ori, 72, of Montgomery, Texas and former resident of Orange, Texas, passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2016 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

He was born on May 7, 1943 in Highland Park, Illinois to Rose Marie (Pasquesi) and John Ori.

After graduating from John Carrol University in Cleveland, Ohio, he proudly served our country in the United States Army as a transportation officer in Vietnam.  He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Bezdek), on May 18, 1968 in Midlothian, Illinois.  Don’s job as a supervisor with DuPont took them from Elmhurst, Illinois to Wilmington, Delaware before settling in Orange, Texas.  He retired from DuPont after 35 years, and he and Barbara moved to Bentwater in Montgomery, Texas.  Don loved to play golf, spend time with his grandkids, and cherished any opportunity to talk and laugh with friends.  He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Mary Ann Leahy of Buffalo Grove, Illinois.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and their children Anne with husband COL Andrew Barr, Chris with wife Tina Sicola Ori, and Katie with husband MAJ Andy Riise.  He was lovingly known as “Nonno” to his 9 grandchildren – Madeline, Vincent, Matthew, Larsen, Dominic, Jonah, Anthony, Caleb, and Hanna.  He is also survived by his brother, Peter Ori, of Barrington, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Plantersville, Texas on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Jim Sichko presiding.  Don will be buried with Military Honors at the Houston National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to thank the Village Green Alzheimer’s Care Home and Embracing Hospice for their expert and loving care of Don the last few months.