Obituary for
Henry Otto Ora
Henry Ora, 81, of West Simsbury, CT, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2014 with his family at his side. He was the much loved husband of 55 years of Leili (Oona) Ora. Born in Vandra, Estonia on his beloved family farm, to the late Vilma and Heinrich Ora, he left his homeland ahead of the Russian invasion in World War II. He and his family immigrated to the United States as political refugees in 1949. Henry graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford, Trinity College in Hartford, and then the University of Connecticut with a Masters degree in Social Work. He worked for the City of Hartford for 32 years, most recently as Deputy Director for the Department of Social Services. He was a thoughtful and giving individual, always with a smile and kind word, with a special sense of humor. Henry served his country honorably during the Korean War in the Quartermaster Corps. He was very involved in sports as a youth and later as a huge fan of all sports, especially the New York Giants, the Boston Red Sox, any soccer game that was televised, and the UConn Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, Krista and Kaleigh Heffernan, and always looked forward to watching Kaleigh’s soccer games. Henry was predeceased by his son, Peter. Along with his wife Leili, he also leaves his daughter, Anne (Ora) Heffernan, along with her husband Jim Heffernan and granddaughter’s Krista and Kaleigh of Simsbury as well as his brother Avo Ora along with his wife Tina, and family. Henry belonged to the First Church of Christ in Simsbury, CT as an active and involved member. He was also a member of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Connecticut Estonian Society and the Ugala Fraternity. The family would like to thank Dr. James Vredenburgh and his staff at St. Francis Hospital as well as Cherry Brook Nursing home for their care and kindness.There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at the First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, February 21st at 11:00 am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Church of Christ or the organization of your choice. Please visit Henry’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.
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