Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, the heart and soul of Auburn sports and storytelling, died Dec. 13. He was 87.
King’s name echoed through generations — on fields, courts, news pages, and in quiet acts of service across his hometown. He wasn’t famous in the traditional sense, but in Auburn, Ormie was everything.
A life rooted in community
Born in 1938 to Ormonde and Mildred King on Florence Street, Ormie grew up in a home filled with love and Auburn pride. His father, known as the “Whistling Mailman,” was one of many colorful characters Ormie would later honor in his writing.
A three-sport athlete at Auburn’s Central High, Ormie played on back-to-back undefeated football teams in 1954 and 1955. He also excelled in baseball, basketball, and fast-pitch softball — even beating the famed “King & His Court” squad as a teen.
Ormie spent years playing and coaching semi-pro basketball. He helped young athletes find their footing in Auburn’s Pony and Little Leagues. Many still remember the coach who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.
From Sears to city hall
After high school, Ormie built a 37-year career at Sears Roebuck, managing the appliance department. But his commitment to service went far beyond retail.
He served 19 years as a Cayuga County legislator and six as a city councilman. Gov. Mario Cuomo even appointed him to the Upstate Council.
Ormie also took a swing at the restaurant business, co-owning Legends Restaurant at Auburn’s Five Points with longtime friend Billy Martin. Though the beloved spot was later lost to fire, its spirit lived on through his column, “Legends of Auburn.”
The voice of Auburn
For 26 years, Ormie’s weekly column in The Post-Standard and The Citizen celebrated hometown heroes — teachers, coaches, shop owners, athletes. He chronicled Auburn’s past with photos, memories, and a genuine love for his neighbors.
He compiled over 300 albums of Auburn history — clippings, photos, and keepsakes — now housed at the AHS library’s Legends Room. With help from his nephew, Jack Casper, Ormie published four books that preserved this rich legacy.
A servant’s heart
Faith and family guided Ormie’s life. A proud member of Holy Family Church, he helped with bingo games, fundraisers, and the Chapel House homeless shelter. He was a familiar face at the YMCA and RSVP, where he worked in retirement simply because he loved people.
Ormie helped save Auburn’s historic Y-Field clubhouse and founded both the Auburn Softball Hall of Fame and the AHS Hall of Fame. He chaired community reunions and sports celebrations, always putting others in the spotlight.
But perhaps his greatest legacy was the way he lived — quietly kind, fiercely loyal, and endlessly generous. His family called him Auburn’s own George Bailey, and it’s hard to disagree.
Loved beyond measure
Ormie is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen (Kenna) King; children Denise, Michele, Ormie Jr., and Jeff; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings, a son-in-law, and a grandson.
Calling hours and services will be held Dec. 22 at Willard Chapel in Auburn, followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Auburn YMCA.
Live life, cheat death, laugh often — that was Ormie’s motto. And that’s exactly what he did.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].