Henry Porter Van Ormer, Jr.

Henry (Hank) Porter Van Ormer, Jr., age 87, of Pickerington, formerly of Thornville, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Pickerington Methodist Hospital. Hank was born June 15, 1937, in Colon, Panama, where his parents were stationed in the military.

Henry P. Van Ormer—known to many of us simply as Hank had an amazing and fruitful life. Born into a proud military family, he lived a childhood that most of us could only imagine—growing up in different parts of our country and the world, including places like Panama, Greece, and Iraq. His sense of adventure, adaptability, and global perspective were shaped from a young age.

He came from a distinguished lineage of military service. His father, Colonel Henry Porter “Tip” Van Ormer, his grandfather Brigadier General Charles Hines, and his Uncle Bud—Colonel Charles B. Hines—all graduated from West Point. Though Hank aspired to follow in their footsteps, a knee injury sustained while playing football redirected his path. Yet, as many of us know, Hank never let obstacles define him—he simply found a new road forward.

And what a path he carved.

Hank graduated from Gettysburg College in1959 with a Liberal Arts degree and launched a long and successful career in the compressed air industry. His professional journey took him to many companies across the country—from Davey Compressor in Ohio to International Harvester in Virginia, Worthington in Massachusetts, Ingersoll Rand in North Carolinaand Oklahoma, Finnell Compressor in Oklahoma, CompAir Kellogg in New Hampshire, and finally to founding his own company, Air Power USA, in New Hampshire. Wherever he went, Hank brought not just knowledge and skill, but a strong work ethic and a genuine care for people.

One of Hank’s most unique stories is how he graduated high school while living in Iraq, taking correspondence classes through the University of Nebraska. Even from afar, Hank was always committed to learning and bettering himself.

And who else can say that they were once a golf caddie for President Dwight D. Eisenhower? While his father worked at the Pentagon, young Hank found himself working at the Army Navy Country Club where he caddied for the president and later working with a veterinarian who took care of livestock on Eisenhower’s farm located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Hank would often chuckle as he recalled the first time he met the President—knee-deep in cow manure, delivering a calf. That’s classic Hank—grounded, humble, and always ready with a great story.

In 1961, Hank married Linda Greene in Kent, Ohio. Together, they moved often, building a life and family in places like Falls Church and Centreville, Virginia; East Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Lewisville and Salisbury, North Carolina; Owasso, Oklahoma; Bow Lake in Strafford, New Hampshire; and finally Baltimore, Ohio. Their journey together was full of love, adventure, and a deep partnership until Linda’s passing in 2007.

In 2014, Hank found love again with Virgilia—Gelie—Baldo Van Ormer. He used to say he was the luckiest man alive to have shared life with her and her daughter, Abbie. Their time together in Thornville, Ohio, brought joy and companionship until Gelie’s passing in 2021. Hank often said how grateful he was to have had not one, but two wonderful women to share his life with.

Hank remained in Thornville until 2024, when he moved to Amber Park Senior Living in Pickerington. Even in his final year, Hank’s spirit, resilience, and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Throughout his life, Hank lived with integrity, curiosity, humility, and a sharp wit. He was a man who wore many hats—husband, father, stepfather, businessman, friend—but always remained true to himself and those he loved.

We are all better for having known him. And while we will deeply miss his voice, his wisdom, and his presence, we carry forward the lessons he taught us—about loyalty, perseverance, and finding humor even when knee-deep in the messiest parts of life.

Thank you, Hank, for a life well-lived, a legacy well-earned, and for reminding us how rich and meaningful one man’s journey can be.

May you rest in peace—and may we all strive to carry a little of your strength and grace in our own lives.

He is survived by his daughter Laura Lee (Jack) Petrich of Eastlake, Ohio; sons Henry Scott (Kate) Van Ormer of Baltimore, Ohio and Don (Pam) Van Ormer of Pickerington, Ohio; step-daughter, Abbie (Jill) Flushing Green of Vancouver, British Columbia, 5 beloved grandchildren, Maggie, Kit, Henry, Tyler, and Hayleigh; great-grandchildren, Brantley, Austin, Chase, Daxton and Violet; niece Blythe Van Ormer of Quinlan, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Linda (Greene) Van Ormer in 2007 and Virgilia Baldo Van Ormer in 2021; his parents, Colonel Henry Porter Van Ormer, Sr. and Helen (Hines) Van Ormer; and by a brother, Charles Van Ormer.

He will be laid to rest in Standing Rock Cemetery, Kent, Ohio, next to his wife, Linda. Graveside service and interment will be 12:00 PM, Saturday on May 31st at Standing Rock Cemetery 1301 N Mantua St Kent, Ohio 44240 (Section 20, Lot 137), After the graveside service, friends and family are welcome to gather at the Chagrin Habor Beach Association Clubhouse located 60 River Drive, Eastlake, OH 44095 for a time of fellowship and celebration of Hank’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Dr SW, Heath, OH 43056 and/or to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/ways-to-give ) in his memory.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service in Thornville is honored to care for Henry and his family.