Rocco A. Orlando

Rocco Ausonia (Anthony) "R.A." Orlando, age 98 of Erie passed away on February 4th, 2023, the same day that he was bought into the world. He was born in Erie on February 4th, 1925. The son of the late Aquilino and Rita (Gualano) Orlando. He attended both Strong Vincent and Tech High School. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corp. during high school, serving in Okinawa and obtaining the rank of Sgt. and receiving the certification as a sharpshooter.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps., he later went on to receive his Realtor license and became Owner/Broker of R.A. Orlando, Realtor and Appraisal Services for the past 50 plus years. He achieved a multitude of honors that included "Realtor of the Year" and appointed "Director of the Erie Board of Realtors" from 1964 thru 1966. As the sole proprietor of Orlando Realtor, he was an integral part of developments and commercial real estate, including the developments of the Cider Mill/ Heritage Hills Subdivision, Airport Village Apts., W. Grandview Apts., Countryside Condos and having a main interest in bringing in the Edinboro's Walmart, Bush Industries, and a number of other accomplished, noteworthy, sites throughout Erie Co. Rocco was well respected and admired in his field and his appraisal work, during the time of limited appraisers.
Rocco was his own man; very innovative, strong minded, fair, with a formidable work ethic. He was more than willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. His life was his work until he hit the dance floor and the tennis courts! Rocco was an avid handball, racquetball, and later tennis player. His handball and tennis games won him 1st place showings. Rocco won the Arizona St. Seniors Tennis Tournament. He was a member of the Erie Maennerchor, past president of the University Club, Westwood Racquet Club. Later in life his relaxation was to sit on his patio with family and friends and listening to one of his favorite singers in Jerry Vale. Dad you may be gone but will never be forgotten, always in our hearts, until we meet again.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Orlando, 3 children, Jeff Orlando, Rich Orlando (Cindi), and Mary Jo (Dave) Welz all of Erie. Grandchildren Richie Orlando, Marina Orlando, Monica Miller and Alex Welz, along with additional nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Julie and Virginia of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., nieces, Christine Hoffman of Erie, and Patty Jones of Fort Lauderdale.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. Thursday from 4 until 7:00p.m. and are invited to attend services there Friday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael DeMartinis officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military honors.