Benjamin Orr

by ethnic · August 21, 2010

Birth Name: Benjamin Orzechowski

Date of Birth: September 8, 1947

Place of Birth: Lakewood, Cuyahoga, Ohio, U.S.

Date of Death: October 4, 2000

Place of Death: Atlanta, Fulton, Georgia, U.S.

Ethnicity: Ukrainian, Rusyn, possibly Polish

Benjamin Orr was an American musician. He was the co-lead vocalist and bassist, and a co-founder, of rock band the Cars. He sang lead vocals on their hit songs “Just What I Needed,” “Moving in Stereo,” “Let’s Go,” and “Drive.” He also released the successful solo single “Stay the Night.” Elliot Easton and Ric Ocasek were/are also members of The Cars.

Benjamin was the son of Alžbeta/Elizabeth “Betty” (Benová/Benn/Ben) and Charles Orzechowski. His father was born in Kiev, now Ukraine. He came to the U.S. in 1908. He was buried in an Orthodox Christian cemetery. Benjamin’s mother was born in Kojšov, okres Gelnica, Košický, Slovakia, and was listed as being of Rusyn origin on documents. She was baptized Greek Catholic, and came to the U.S. in 1924.

Benjamin had a son.

Benjamin’s paternal grandfather was named Jakub/Jacob Orzechowski/Orzechowsky. Jakub was born in Tetiiv, Bila Tserkva Raion, Kyivska, Ukraine.

Benjamin’s paternal grandmother was named Antonia.

Benjamin’s maternal grandfather was named Josef Ben.

Benjamin’s maternal grandmother was named Mary/Marie/Maria Leska/Lesko. Mary was born in Kojšov, okres Gelnica, Košický.

Sources: Genealogy of Benjamin Orr – https://www.findagrave.com

Benjamin’s paternal grandfather, Jakub/Jacob Orzechowski/Orzechowsky, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

New York passenger list record of Benjamin’s mother – https://www.familysearch.org

New York passenger list record of Benjamin’s maternal grandmother, Mary/Marie/Maria (Leska/Lesko) Bemova – https://www.familysearch.org