Mark Ordy

J. Mark Ordy passed away suddenly, on October 22, 2013 in his home, at age 87. Mark was born in Czechoslovakia in 1925 and immigrated to the US at a young age with his parents and sister. Mark was a member of the US military, serving during WWII as part of the 82nd Airborne Corps. His skill in linguistics earned him a position in the Counterintelligence Corps, an experience that he proudly recounted over the years.

Following his military service, Mark pursued a lifelong career in the sciences, eventually earning a PhD in Physiology of Behavior from Case Western Reserve in 1959. Mark served as professor and department head at Northern Illinois and Tulane Universities, eventually moving into pharmaceutical research in the private sector in the Rochester NY area. He was a widely published author with numerous books and professional articles and chapters, and continued to serve as a research consultant for many years after retirement. Mark provided outstanding mentorship to multiple students, encouraging and guiding their post-doctoral paths.

Mark enjoyed world travel, both for professional and personal pursuits. His home is filled with photos and mementos of various trips throughout his lifetime. He led a very spiritual life as a devout Catholic, the highlight of which was traveling to see Pope John Paul II in Toronto (“JP II, we love you!”). Mark maintained many close friendships with colleagues and those he came to know as a result of his gregarious and generous personality. He was an avid photographer, voracious reader, and always loved gatherings centered on people, food, and fun. He will forever be associated with Kriter Champagne, Moscow Mules and plentiful gastronomic delicacies provided at his insistence.

Mark is survived by his sister, Anne Ordy, his son, Greg Ordy, close friends, cousins, neighbors, colleagues, church family, and personal caregivers.

Friends and family may call Sunday (Oct. 27th), 3-6 PM at the Anthony Funeral & Cremation Chapels (2305 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY). A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday (Oct. 28th) at 11:00 AM, St. Louis Church, 64 S. Main St. in Pittsford, NY. Interment Knollwood Cemetery, Mayfield Heights, OH.