JOHN C. ORLANDO

FUNERAL HOME

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

836 E. Nees Ave.

Fresno, California

JOHN ORLANDO Obituary

John was born on E and Tuolomne in Fresno on June 27, 1924. He passed peacefully circled lovingly by family at age 88 on Sunday, March 10, 2013. The son of Sicilian immigrants, learning the lessons only the early twentieth century West Side could offer, John's love of business, hard work and a successful partnership with his brother, culminated in the prosperity of Orlando Foods and Sunnyland Bulgar Wheat. An avid Giants and Fresno State fan, John also enjoyed keeping fit, gardening, playing piano, his dog Buddy, and reminiscing about growing up on the West Side. Known for his tender heart and unceasing generosity, his children will strive to follow his example and remember John's guidance and life lessons while caring for one another in their personal journeys just as they promised him. His daughter, Debbie, devotedly cared for him over the past five years. John will be forever loved and kept in our hearts. Peace and love are with you, Papa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Catherine Orlando; sisters, Geraldine Orlando, Jean Cavanaugh, Rosalind Cefalia and Prudence Savino; brother, Carl Orlando; and son, Barry Orlando. John is survived by his sister, Josephine Marinaro; his children, Mark, Julie, Terri Ann, Debbie and Scott Orlando; along with 12 grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Sunday, March 17, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery. Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048

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Published by Fresno Bee on Mar. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN ORLANDO

10 Entries

Terri Orlando

March 10, 2014

I miss you daddy. I think of you everday, i can't believe it had been a year since God took you away from us. I love you soooo much

TeriAnn Pope

March 20, 2013

"John was so loved by his family. I got to meet him, Debbie & the rest of this family a couple of years ago. He was so sweet and gentle. Smiling constantly. And Debbie he smiled at you every chance he got. I think he knew he was in good hands with you, sweetheart. Peace, Joy & Blessings to you all."
Merita Rodden's niece, Teri Ann~

Christina Orlando

March 17, 2013

I could not have asked for a better father in law. The unceasing love, guidance and support John gave is irreplaceable. His spirit was infectious; I wanted to dance when he danced, sing when he sang and joke when he joked. He also had the ability to bring us a sense of serenity and composure in times of uncertainty. I try, desperately, to replicate some of the delicious meals he created, but somehow I don't think I'll ever be able to accomplish that task with the finesse and zest that he did. The vision of him in one of his many newsboy caps carrying a carefully swaddled dish of 'macaroni' and multiple bottles of apple juice up the stairs to our porch is etched in my memory forever. Each time I sit down to rack my brain for the answers to any given crossword puzzle, I'll think of all the laughs we had trying to complete those we tackled together. We had a rivalry, albeit a friendly one; he accepted me even though I am a Dodger fan, and I him, though he loved the Giants. I'm happy he finally got to see his 'boys' win in recent years. I only wish I had been with him so I was able to see the look of elation on his face while he clapped gently and shared those moments of joy with his team.
I'll always be your one and only 'what's her name'... thank you, Pop, for loving me!

..."Grab your coat and get your hat; leave your worries on the doorstep. Life can be so sweet, on the sunny side of the street"...

March 16, 2013

I'll always remember John for his hospitality, signature pilaf, and his sense of humor. He taught me that Italian is a language and a food group. John showed me that family is about love, laughter and memories. I'll always love him for giving me his son who reminds me of him now, more than ever.
Kymm Orlando

“Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” -1 Corinthians 13:13

Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel

March 16, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

sunshine talarino

March 14, 2013

I am sorry for your loss..praying peace over your family..Love Sunshine

Mark Fugate

March 14, 2013

I will miss John alot, even though i was a family member by marriage for just a short time I knew that John and I would always be a part of each others lives as friends. He was a great man. Debbie you did such a great job of taking care of your Dad in his final years I know for a fact that you earned your angel wings. My prayers are with all of the Orlando families and so sorry for your loss.

paula stepp

March 14, 2013

A beautiful man only knowing him through his wonderful, loving and devoted dgt.
Bless him Lord.

JoAnn Kachadoorian

March 14, 2013

Your dad was a sweetheart and such a cutie. He always had a smile on his face when I would come over to visit. my heart is with your family especially you. You are the strongest person i know not too many daughters would take care of a parent especially for 5 years. if you ever need anything just give me a call. I will miss your Daddy's beautiful smile. Love JoAnn

Sandra Cortez

March 13, 2013

God will never leave you empty. In one way or another he will replace all the things you have lost.
If God asks you to put something down, it's because he wants you to pick up something greater that will help you, through those difficult times in your life.
Trust his will. Amen
Our thoughts, prayers and love to your family!!
Sandra & Gutierrez Family

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