Veteran served in World War II
Published August 22, 2019
LYNNFIELD — Roy E. Orrall, 92, a longtime resident of Lynnfield and formerly of Winthrop, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading.
Roy was born in Winthrop on June 12, 1927, and was one of four children of the late John A. Orrall and Winifred L. (Ives) Orrall. Raised in Winthrop, Roy enlisted at age 17 in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He served in the Reserves before transferring into the U.S. Marine Corps in May of 1945 during World War II. On May 15, 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Mabel Williams, and they eventually settled in Lynnfield to raise a family of three sons.
After honorably serving his country, Roy returned home to Winthrop and began working at the family business, Winthrop Printing and Offset Co. in Boston. Through hard work and determination, Roy guided the business, along with his late brother, Jack, into a leading print provider in the region.
Having lived through the Great Depression, Roy knew the value of hard work. He balanced long days to grow the print business with being a loving husband and devoted father. Self-reliant and knowledgeable, Roy never seemed to stop working and always had a project going around the house. He also volunteered for the Salvation Army during Christmas, helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity, and was an active member of the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School Teacher and youth counselor.
During the summer, Roy found great joy in spending time in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire at his cottage on Mirror Lake, and in his retirement loved the winters in Naples, Florida. For many years, he and Mabel enjoyed vacations at the St. George’s Club in Bermuda. In their free time together, Roy and Mabel enjoyed skiing, traveling, tennis, and golf.
Humble, kind, and genuine, Roy led by example with his strong moral values and generous spirit. He believed “everything in moderation,” and that included enjoying a Manhattan before dinner. Roy will be greatly missed, but the imprint he leaves as a husband, father, and grandfather will carry on in the hearts of his family.
Roy was the beloved husband of the late Mabel E. (Williams) Orrall, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of John F. Orrall and his wife Eileen Smith of Winchester; Robert E. Orrall and his wife Christine Leverone Orrall of Nashville, Tennessee; and Mark W. Orrall and his wife Marit Naumann of Asker, Norway. He was predeceased by his three siblings and their spouses: Frank Q. Orrall and wife Elizabeth; John H. Orrall and wife Charlotte; and Cherrie Wilichoski and husband Stanley. He was the cherished grandfather of Avery E. Orrall of Winchester; Jake L. Orrall, Jamin W. Orrall and Justine L. Orrall, all of Nashville, Tenn.; and Elsa Naumann, Jonathan Orrall, Zakarias Orrall, and Carl Orrall, all of Asker, Norway. He was the proud great-grandfather of August, Frederick, and Iben Orrall and Daisy Brading. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Roy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, Aug. 26 and for his funeral service at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St., Wakefield, celebrated on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps took place at Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Roy and Mabel Orrall Memorial Fund at the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St., Wakefield MA 01880. For directions or to sign an online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
