Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charles Orlando Obituary
Born in Queens, N.Y., he graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955.
He was married in 1961 at the Little Church Around The Corner in NYC to Betsy Chubbuck who survives him as do his daughters Julie Bliss of Gloucester, Mass., Alison Haigis of Tolland, Conn., and Jessica Orlando of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; grandchildren, Jackson and Nina Haigis; as well as his sister, Gloria Lundberg of Belmont.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1961, then received a Masters Degree in 1968 as well as a PhD in 1971.
His teaching career began with a 4th grade class in Hampton, Conn., then after graduate school, he taught at Penn State from 1970-1972. In 1972, he took a position with BOCES to run the new Learning Diagnostic Center and to teach part time at Alfred University. He was the Director of the Special Education Department for Allegany County and continued as Assistant Director after Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties merged their BOCES systems.
He served on the Town Board of Amity for two terms, was the Tax Assessor for five years and was Chair of the Board of Assessment Review for 21 years.
He served on the Alfred State College Council for 16 years and was also appointed to the Educational Foundation of Alfred State College Wellsville Campus.
After retiring from BOCES, he had a horseshoeing business for many years and has continued business as an artist blacksmith. His handiwork can be seen throughout the area with the handicapped ramp at the David A. Howe Library and the stair rail at the entrance to the Belmont Library being a couple of examples.
His great love was in teaching and he believed in "learning while doing." He taught many workshops in iron work locally and across the country and various classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C., from 1986 to the present.
According to his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
The family suggests donations may be made to the Amity Rescue Squad, the Belmont Library or to a charity of their choosing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Orlando
Tom Sullivan
September 17, 2024
I was thinking back of all the people I built houses for in the 1960's, and Charles came to mind as one of the people I built houses for. My wife and I had been teachers for a short time. Glad he had such a great career. In a different way I am back in education- I paint houses and send the proceeds to a school in Guatemala- Open Windows Foundation. Tom Sullivan, Ledyard, Conn.
Marylu
November 30, 2020
Charlie was my first instructor in metal work at John C. Campbell Folk School. I was never so impressed that age 80 his zest of life and skills for teaching others was a joy and inspiration to be around. I just learned of his passing as I was looking to take another class he might be teaching. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest In Peace Charlie. Marylu from Coker Creek Tennessee
Jerry Lynch
May 5, 2018
Dear Betsy...I just found out about Charlie. Probably don't remember me but I was getting my masters and doctorate at Penn State and Charlie was my Master's advisor along with Joe French ( who just died in January). Charlie was one of just 3 teachers in my entire life that made sense. I loved him and his kind, gentle, authentic ways. I am so so sorry for your loss but I trust that you and the girls are ok these days, 4 years later. He will always be remembered by me as a person of integrity, selflessness and an amazing NYC sense of humor with a slight overtone of kind sarcasm ( I'm from Brooklyn and appreciated that part of him). I hope you get this belated note. Much love to you and your precious family. Jerry Lynch
Kye Reen Paradise
October 27, 2015
I just learned from my neighbor, Linda Vertefeuille, that Charlie passed away. I remember Charlie and his family when they lived across the street from us on Myers Road. Charlie was very close with my father, Sherby Paradise. I have such fond memories of our families growing up together. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie McGuire
July 10, 2014
I took two tin classes from Charley at the Folk School and always was a bit in awe of his many talents. He was a great teacher and mentor and will be missed.Sorry this is so late,but just heard of it today. Best to you, Bonnie Mcguire
March 23, 2014
I have a fond memory of Charlie, I was attending my first novice blacksmithing class at John Campbell Folk School in 1986, Charlie showed me how to forge roses during the breaks. His generosity made an indelible mark with me. A lesson we should all learn from. Andy Hight
Ed Harris
February 12, 2014
I have not known Charley very long, but I feel like I,ve lost a good friend. Betsy, my heart goes out to you. I always enjoyed our conversations at the Folk School so much.
Ed Harris
Allen Kerkeslager
February 10, 2014
I only recently began digging around to find the people who kindly nominated me for a term as board director during the launching of the Genesee Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited in Belmont in 1976 when I was a youth of only 15 years old. One of these people was the chapter's charter secretary, Charles Orlando (see Wellsville Daily Reporter, May 21, 1976). I regret that I missed the opportunity to thank him for this investment in my future so many years ago. But his family may appreciate knowing that, far more than this long past encouragement to a young lad might suggest, his legacy continues on in a much more massive investment in the water quality of the Genesee River watershed known as the Genesee River Wilds Project.
Laurie Fiesler
February 7, 2014
I am so blessed to have known Charlie! What a great man and a beautiful soul! He was one of God's earth angels without question! Thank you Charlie, you will be missed!
Terry Jolls
January 30, 2014
To the Orlando family, I am very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed talking with Charlie. He will be missed.
Deborah Robinson
January 29, 2014
Heartsick for the Orlando family...Betsy I send you hugs and my shoulder if you need it..so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ward
January 28, 2014
You will be missed, Charlie. You were a gift to this world.
K. David Porter
January 27, 2014
Not only did Charlie help me through my first CSE Chair job, but he also taught me banjo in retirement. What a remarkable person he was and one of the best administrators I worked with. My prayers go out to Betsy and his family.
January 27, 2014
The Lord is always near when we need him most. May he comfort your hearts during this time.
Phili 4:7
Marilyn Edwards
January 27, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Betsy and girls. He was a special person and will be missed by many.
Mary Kay Trotter
January 26, 2014
My condolences to the Orlando family. Charlie was our farrier for years in Wellsville, and involved with dairy goats too. He was such a brilliant man, who accomplished so much in his life. I am so sorry for your loss.
January 26, 2014
Praying for your family during this time of sorrow. Charlie touched many lives and will be sadly missed. Walt/Phyllis Dennis
Joel Kassirer
January 26, 2014
My heartfelt thoughts go out to my dear friend Betsy and all the family. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Sally Acker
January 26, 2014
My condolences to the Orlando family. Charlie was a man who left his mark on all of us. He always spoke from his heart and made you think about what he had said. He was well respected and admired. God Bless!!
David Donovan
January 26, 2014
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Orlando family. The measure of ones life can be told in many ways as evident in his accomplishments. Ultimately the biggest accomplishment is how much he was loved.
The Donovans
Sally Johnson
January 26, 2014
Charley was an important influence in my life, as a teacher, boss, mentor and friend. I believe I had a fairly successful career as a special education teacher largely due to his assistance and encouragement. He modeled treating everyone with respect and kindness, and was always quick to encourage learning new skills. His life-long example of joyfully tackling new challenges, and 'making his own fun' continues as a positive legacy for all he leaves behind. I am sincerely thankful for the blessing he was in my life!
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Orlando's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Orlando
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles Orlando's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
