William Edward Orser

William Edward Orser was born in Nassawadox, Virginia on May 29, 1941. Eddie, as he was then called by his parents, Reverand George & Eloise Orser, moved around the great state of Virginia before graduating valedictorian from Midlothian High in Richmond.

It was while he was attending Randolph Macon College, in which he led his class as president and enjoyed his studies, he met the woman who would change his life. Jo Annette Savage attended nearby Longwood College, and after meeting on a blind date set up by mutual friends, they fell in love and determined to live the remainder of their lives together.

Both graduated from their colleges, and while Jo worked as a teacher, Ed received a Master’s from Yale University. They married in June 1963, and proceeded to begin the journey that would define their lives in travel and public service. For (essentially) their honeymoon, they headed to Ethiopia for two unforgettable years in Kennedy’s recently formed Peace Corps.

Following that adventure, Ed received his Ph D. and Jo her Master’s from the University of New Mexico. They returned to the east coast, first in DC and then Ed’s first teaching job at Heidelberg College in OH, where their two children were born. Upon hearing about American Studies positions at the newly formed UMBC, Ed jumped at the chance to return the young family to the Mid-Atlantic in 1969.

Finally settling in Hunting Ridge in Baltimore, they raised their two children, engaged in their community, taught hundreds of students, volunteered in Leakin Park and other public places, and continued to explore the world (in a tiny tent) for over 50 years.

Ed wrote numerous articles and his books include The Gwynns Falls: Baltimore Greenway to the Chesapeake Bay; Blockbusting in Baltimore: The Edmondson Village Story; and, From Village to Suburb: Catonsville, 1880-1940 in his 40 years at UMBC. Ed received the UMBC Presidential Teaching Award and the University System of Maryland Regents Award for Excellence in Teaching. The Baltimore Historical Society conferred Historian Honors recognition upon him. At his retirement, UMBC established the Orser Center for the Study of Community, Place, and Culture to foster “innovative collaborations among scholars, students, and local community organizations” to honor Ed.

All of these experiences through Ed & Jo’s lives led to incredibly meaningful and life-long friendships that they cherish to this day.

Ed died peacefully with Jo by his side, where she always was, at Charlestown in Catonsville on January 8, 2023 after a brief illness.

In addition to Jo, Ed is survived by Stephen (& Kristin) and Sharon (& Matt), siblings Carolyn & Bob, and six beloved grandchildren, Danielle, Kevin, Jeremy, Griffin, Jacob & Keaton.

A memorial service celebrating Ed's long and rich life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, at Salem Lutheran Church, 905 Frederick Rd in Catonsville. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Salem Lutheran Church (www.Salem-Catonsville.org/) or the Charlestown Scholars' Fund (www.ccicharlestown.org/giving/scholars-fund).