Joseph R. Orlando
SUN CITY – Joseph R. Orlando, 84, passed away Feb. 28 in Peoria, AZ. He was born Nov. 6, 1937 in Chicago, Ill. to George & Hazel Orlando. He was the eldest of six children. His siblings are Kathleen Siemers, Patricia Johnson and Mary Ellen Passicas. His two brothers George Jr. and Michael are deceased.
He graduated from Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, Wis. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier Intrepid in the European Theatre and took the opportunity to visit many European cities. He remained in the Navy for 8 years, 3 years of active service and 5 years in the Reserves.
After his service in the military ended, he went to work for American Airlines at OHare Air Field in Chicago. After several years, he was transferred to Sky Harbor in Phoenix, AZ. where he eventually retired.
Since his retirement, he became very active in voluntary organizations. He was with the Sheriff ’s Posse of Sun City for 20 years, being a Duty Officer for 19 years. He was the Lt. of Traffic for 10 years and a Base Dispatcher for several years. He was a member of the Board of Governors for almost all of that time. He was a volunteer for the Sun City Fire Dept. for 8 years doing specialization work.
He married Helen Hardt and they had 4 children: Susan Rendant, Julie Cortes and Barbara Rocamora. His son Tony is deceased.
He later married Beverly Roseboom and she is deceased.
He has 4 grandchildren: Jacob, Sondra Cortes, Melissa Cortes and Andrea Cortes. He also has 5 great grandchildren: Araceli, Layla, Harper, Malik and Peyton.
He married Leta McCormick and she survives. Other survivors are stepchildren: Linda Green, Steve Roseboom, Bonnie Kuczkowski, Betty Hansen, Jeff McCormick, Mary Orff and Shannon Girlando.
He has other stepchildren in other parts of the country.
There will be a memorial service on April 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Sunland Mortuary in Sun City, with a reception to follow. Fond memories and messages can be left for the Orlando family at www.sunlandmemorial.com.