Tom Orr (Frank T Orr)
March 26, 1951 ~ September 19, 2025
Tom Orr (Frank T. Orr) left the stage of life on September 19th 2025 likely muttering something witty under his breath and adjusting the lighting on his way out.
And, not with a bang, but with a harmonica riff, a half-smile, and (probably) an animal or two close by. His heart was too big to contain for one lifetime, so it simply flowed onward.
Born in 1951, he lived like a great song - unexpected chords, unforgettable lyrics, and moments of improvisation that somehow always worked. He directed theater not just on stage, but in life- helping others find their light, hit their marks, and feel seen. He believed improv was a survival skill, and curtain calls should always be taken with style.
He loved animals more than most people love anything - deeply, instinctively, and without hesitation. Dogs, cats, horses, strays, birds - it didn't matter. If it breathed, he respected it. If it was hurting, he helped.
He was funny - not in the loud, look-at-me way, but the clever, sly, under-his-breath kind that made you laugh three seconds later and wonder how you didn't see it coming. It was smart, unexpected, and sometimes so dry you didn't realize the joke until a full minute later.
A humanitarian in the truest sense, he gave what he had: kindness, time, attention, ideas, and when needed, silence. He saw people, and he let them be.
He believed in "going with the flow", and practiced that wisdom daily - choosing curiosity over control, compassion over perfection, and improvisation over expectation.
His favorite quote: "I love the rain. It washes memories off the sidewalk of Life." Woody Allen.
His inventions ranged from the brilliantly useful to the hilariously impractical. He never met a problem he didn't try to solve, sometimes with duct tape, wire, or a wild idea no one else would've dared.
In his final years, he took to singing and playing the harmonica with musician friends, not as a performance, but as a presence. There was a peaceful rhythm in his playing, an echo of the 60' and 70's he loved: Dylan, The Stones, Joni, Hendrix, Morrison. Songs of rebellion, love, truth - all things he embodied. His favorite song was: "Brown Eyed GirL"
He didn't care much for rules, but if you're reading this, he'd probably say: Adopt, don't shop. Support local art. Play your damn harmonica. And stop taking everything so seriously.
"He cued the lights and fed the strays,
Designed strange things on rainy days.
He cracked wise lines with perfect timing,
While fixing doors and awkward rhyming.
He's gone - but listen - hear that sound?
A standing ovation underground."
Tom Orr (Frank T Orr) was loved by everyone whose life he touched.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Orr family.
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There are no words that can express my deep sadness in Tom's passing…..The kindness I saw that radiated from Tom from the first day we met, the integrity, the empathy, his sharp sense of humor, his love of music, and his originality made Tom Orr one of the most special human encounters of my life. A real presence that still continues today and a gift to this human race that will live in my heart always. "Done too soon"……………………………………..
We were brothers from another mother. Our friendship bond lasted over 35 years. I will truly miss him.
Every time we hear a harmonica, we will think of you and the joy you brought to everyone around you. You will be deeply missed.
You're off on another adventure Brother. Find us a good spot to park the bikes. Be seeing you sooner or later. Love ya man.
I met you as my community theater director and I enjoyed getting to know you with our group hang outs at Chili's after rehearsals. You had the best life stories and such a great outlook on life. Your laughter and light will be missed as the funny and fantastic admirable human that I had the pleasure and the honor of knowing.
I’m so sorry Tom had to leave this place so soon…. But his stories will live on forever…. I loved to listen to all his Windsurfing adventures and also when he was training Arabian horses….
My heart goes out to his family! He will be missed deeply
Good man great friend.
Rest easy, my friend. Our 50 odd years of friendship and adventures was a great part of my life.
I knew Tommy all of my adult life.
What I will always remember about him is his deep love for animals, and all my dogs and horses, his love for Jimmy Buffett, who we saw together in the Grove Theatre before anyone had heard of him, his love for gardening and the incredibly productive gardens he grew, and his love for music. Most of all I think of Tommy as being an easy laugh. More than the fact that he could make other people laugh was his constant ability to laugh with everybody else. Up until the very end, I always said that about him. He’s an easy laugh. I could say the simplest things that maybe were a little funny, and he would have the biggest laugh over them. My strongest memory of Tommy is standing with his arms straight out to the side and having a huge smile on his face. He is most definitely missed.
thinking of you, dear Rose at this time. Tom was a good man.
Everytime i saw, you raised your arm in the air, not to wave hi, but to show me that your arm could still go that high! You never missed a chance to thank me for helping you and your arm. (massage therapist ) My favorite times with you was when you played harmonica with me at my gigs and told me all those south florida stories with those famous 60s artists!
I will miss those quirky jokes, and stories Tom! Sending love to sweet Rose ♥️ We will do coffee soon in your honor and maybe play a little music!
Those of us that knew you, even what seemed briefly, you have left a lasting impression. Have fun in peace!
I always experienced Tom as a fun and kind person. He loved our dad unconditionally and was the holder of family history. It is the end of an era.
Your journey ended far too soon. Tired from your impressions and experiences, you returned home with your earthly growth. You illuminated the way with your wonderful energy and your light. Someday we will meet again. All the best on your final journey 🥀🥀🥀🖤 R.I.P. Markus and Peter
Tom will be missed but always in my memories. He was the first person I meet in opticianry school Tom John and I were the three amigos. We were inseparable. Our time spent between classes watching happy days
I’ll never forget the memories of the last 50 years we’ve been together since the first time we met in Clearwater Florida you are a bright and optimist part of my life and I will deeply miss you, but I’m sure I will see you again. See you at the next pass Love you, my brother Steve
So many fond memories of you and Tom. What wonderful stories he told. He gave great hugs 🫂 💖💝🤍💫
Tom was a creative and unique friend who lived in harmony with nature. We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We send our love and deepest condolences to our dear friend Rose and family.
I liked Tom immediately. We met 5 years ago in a musical setting. We quickly became co-conspirators. He was a hoot. He moved through spaces slowly with grace. When I talked to him he gave me his entire attention. That’s rare these days.
Rest in peace my friend.