Obituary of Joseph Orlando

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph “Our Joe” Orlando at the F.J. Davey Home on Thursday, April 2 at the age of 89. Devoted husband of Anne with whom he is now reunited. Loving father of Lori Bertrand (Joe), James Orlando (Donna) and Kristine Martinez (Joaquin). Very proud Papa of Brenden (Katie) and Brad Bertrand, Jamie Marie (Lue) and Marc (Tracy) Orlando and Bella Martinez. Predeceased by his parents Vincent and Mary Orlando, and his siblings and their spouses, Agatha and Mike Caruso, Dora and Frank Greco, Gilda and Guy Drago, Rose and Charlie Deluco, Eda and Tony Aiello, Amadeo and Violet Orlando, Rita and Ledo D’Agostini, Evelyn and Joe Mancuso, Vera and Albis Fabbro. Son-in-law of the late Nicholas and Beatrice Mihelic. Brother-in-law of Leslie Mihelic (Irma), late Nicholas Mihelic (Patty Pezzuto) and late Roger Bedard (June).  Uncle Joe to many nieces and nephews. 

“Our Joe”, the baby of 10 children, was fortunate to be blessed with several nieces and nephews so similar in age that they grew up more like siblings, especially life-long partner in crime and comedy, Joe Drago.  From childhood to present day, when Joe Orlando and Joe Drago were able to visit, “the Joe’s” could be found sitting side-by-side laughing, telling stories and keeping everyone in their presence highly entertained.  Aside from spending time with his family, Joe’s favorite memories were made hunting and fishing.  His Manitoulin hunting career spanned 56 years, starting with his brother Maude and brother-in-law Mike and continuing with his nephews, his son and grandson.  The endless stories will live on with this special crew.  

Joe and his partner Milton Sharpe were the proud owners of Parkway Service Station on the corner of Korah Road and Second Line from 1958 to 1986.  Not ready to fully retire after that adventure and not wanting to stop sharing his wit and smiles with the world, Joe worked for IDA for a number of years delivering prescriptions around the west end of the city.  With a gift of making a good story out of every experience, his daily delivery route brought more entertainment! 

Joe and Anne were loyal and proud fans of the Greyhounds, holding season tickets in Section 3 for over 30 years.  After turning in his keys to the IDA, he enjoyed golfing, daily coffee chats, Thursday afternoon lunches with the crew and testing his luck at the casino.  He was blessed with many special relationships, especially his friends Carl and Brian, and nephews Angelo and Burt who spent much time visiting with him over the last few years. 

Summer time was an extra special time for Joe, Anne and their children, spent at camp in Havilland Bay surrounded by generations of family and full of fun times.  Our Joe loved to share his expertise, supervising whenever something was going on in the bay.  In his later years, his crew of helpful hands at Havilland Bay generously did the same for him whenever he needed help and then they would joke about him having to share his Brandy or beer afterward.  Vince, Joe S, Jimmy, Angelo and Peter were the best helpers in the bay! He could have won an award for the most grass cut in a season.  He gladly kept a few lawns maintained including his great-niece’s, Kellie, who kept him well fed with her delicious cuisine. 

He was well known for his amazing sausage and tie plates.  His craft was perfected after many years spent watching and helping his mother.  Joe often advised to eat other people’s sausage first because once you tried his, you would not be able to eat any other!  He has passed along his secret recipe to his children and the legend will live on. 

The family is grateful to the caring physicians, nurses and PSWs who have helped care for him along the way.  We thank the team at the SAH Renal Program, the Pacemaker Clinic and most recently, the staff at the F.J. Davey Home, Birch 3 who showed so much compassion during the last few days of his journey.  Donations to the SAH Foundation or F.J. Davey Home would be appreciated by the family.

Our Joe was a legend and a true gem.  He will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.  We are so grateful for the love of family and friends who have supported him and our family through the past challenging months.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date where we can continue to share fond memories and fun stories about this great man.  Until we meet again Joey…. and now it can tornado.