Cory Orel

United States Marine Corps Sergeant Cory Orel passed away on July 4, 2025, from service-connected cancer resulting from occupational exposure. 

Born on February 18, 1978, Orel was raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, surrounded by family and a close-knit community. Known for his humor and welcoming nature, he had a gift for making others feel at ease and never met a stranger. He found joy in life’s simple moments, especially time spent with family and friends. Orel loved surfing and music, and he often sang and played multiple instruments. His adventurous spirit also drew him to flying, and his curiosity and hands-on approach were evident in his enjoyment of working on old cars. He brought energy, warmth, and laughter to everyone who knew him. 

From an early age, Orel felt called to protect and serve others, inspired by the example of his grandfather, a volunteer fire captain in Levittown, New York, and his father, a police captain in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Days after graduating from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1996, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, determined to serve “with the best,” and honorably served for four and a half years. During his time in the Marine Corps, he trained as a crash fire rescue crew member and earned the rank of Sergeant. Following active duty, he attended the Rescue Fire Academy in Prince William County, Virginia, and served with Prince William County Fire and Rescue for three years. His dedication later led him back to the Marine Corps, where he again served as a Sergeant at Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point as a Crash Fire Rescue Supervisor. He was subsequently stationed at Camp Lejeune; a place he would come to call home. A proud veteran, Orel served with Camp Lejeune Fire and Emergency Services in Jacksonville, North Carolina, for nineteen years as a firefighter and paramedic. He medically retired at the rank of Captain in 2021. 

Orel met his wife, April, at church while he was recalled to Cherry Point, as she was beginning her teaching career. What began as a friendship soon grew into a lasting partnership. April recalls watching the events of September 11th unfold with Orel and feeling the uncertainty of whether Orel might be called to serve again and the risks he faced as a Marine firefighter. That moment deepened their bond and clarified what they meant to be together forever. They built a 22-year marriage rooted in faith, love, and grace, and raised three daughters who were the center of Orel’s world. 

Among April’s most cherished memories is Orel’s devotion as a present and engaged father. His three daughters were truly the center of his world, and he lovingly referred to them as “the Oreo chix,” a nickname that reflected the affection, humor, and pride he had in being their dad. He prioritized meaningful one-on-one time with each daughter, often taking them on special “daddy-daughter” dates that included dinner and a trip to Target. He also shared his love of travel by creating distinct experiences with each of them. With his oldest daughter, he explored the mountains through hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cave adventures. With his middle daughter, he embraced the outdoors on a camping trip and encouraged her to step beyond her comfort zone with zip lining and white-water rafting. Even while bravely battling lung cancer, Orel remained determined to make lasting memories, taking his youngest daughter to Washington, D.C., to experience the excitement of the “big city.” Through every season, he ensured their time together was marked by love, intention, and moments his family will treasure. 

Orel will be remembered for the legacy of his personal mantra, “Others before self; neglect neither,” which reflected the way he lived with intention and generosity. He used his many talents to serve and support others and was known for his purpose, humor, and genuine care for people. Faith, family, and friends remained his greatest treasures throughout life. Orel passed away on his favorite holiday, the Fourth of July, a detail his family reflects on with love and a touch of humor. In honoring his memory, they remain committed to continuing his legacy of helping others and will celebrate him each year by lighting a firework in his name—a meaningful tribute to a life that brought light to all those around him. 

United States Marine Corps Sergeant Cory Orel is survived by his wife of 22 years, April Orel; daughters Destiny, Carissa, and Kayla; parents Paul and Donna Orel; sister Monica Blankenship (Luke); niece and nephew Brooke and Landon; biological father Donald Taylor (Becky); and many extended family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Orel family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.