Boston - Chester (Chet) J. Orban died peacefully on February 6, 2025, at the West Roxbury VA Medical Center in Boston surrounded by loved ones.

Chet was born in Boston, MA on August 21, 1947; oldest son to Chester F. and Nancy (Cedrone) Orban. He is survived by his only child and doting daughter, Jennifer and son-in-law Matthew Sekula; three adored grandchildren Wyatt, Vela and Santi; two brothers, Ron Orban, his partner Staci, and Dan Orban; one brother-in-law, Tom Molloy; many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Chet was predeceased in 2024 by his cherished sister, Geraldine Molloy, who was 14 months younger than him, and they shared an especially close relationship.

As a kid, Chet grew up in Somerville, MA with his parents and siblings and a large, tight-knit extended family of many aunts, uncles and cousins, sharing many memories at Foss Park. Chet was a resident of New Hampshire for the last 38 years and spent much of his retired time in Florida. He was a graduate of Boston State College and earned his master's degree in education from Simmons College.

Chet was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietman as a Cartographer and airborne certified. He retired as a Science teacher from Andover High School in Andover MA and Cambell High School in Litchfield, NH, both of which many colleagues became lifelong friends. He was an inspirational and enthusiastic educator, well respected and loved by his colleagues and students. His craft for teaching was through the art of story, humor, engagement and his pure love for teaching. Every moment of his life he saw the opportunity to pass along his wisdom that we all cherish. Chet won the 2012 New Hampshire Environmental Educator of the year award. https://nhee.org/environmental-educator-of-the-year/2012/chester-orban He served as an officer in the Derry Lions Club and was part of starting the annual Lions Fishing Derby.

Chet continued his love for life, family, friends and nature in his retirement years. He spent most of his time outdoors hiking, fishing and collecting shark teeth on the beaches of Manasota Key, Florida. He bought a sailboat and loved spending time on the water. Chet ran many road races on Cape Cod with his daughter, Jennifer, and completed three triathlons. He taught all his grandchildren, nieces and nephews how to fish, and took them camping and boating. He enjoyed traveling to Italy with his cousin Joe, going to the theater, playing chess with his friends in Florida, and spending time with his family on his loved property and camp in Orange, NH.

Chet was known for his integrity, kindness, generosity, zest for life and love of people and nature. He will be greatly missed by many. In his own parting words; may the force be with you, always.

A future celebration of life and military service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, please continue his legacy and love for science and education by making any donations in his name to New Hampshire Environmental Educators on their website https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/8262fc29-b21e-43d3-8134-ad71f2a0cc00 or by mail to NHEE c/o Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, P.O. Box 173, Holderness, NH 03245.