Orlando J. Brovelli

Orlando J. Brovelli (Bro) Born December 5, 1918 to Emilio and Letizia Brovelli at home at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross, CA, where his father was caretaker. He passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side on October 9, 2009 at the age of 90. A native of San Rafael, Orlando graduated from San Rafael High School, and was drafted into the United States Army in September 1941, where he proudly served in the European theatre of operation with the 97th Infantry division under General Patton's Third Army, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. When the war ended in Europe in 1945, his unit was re-deployed to the Asiatic Pacific Theatre of operation for the invasion of Japan. In route to Japan, bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima, Japan surrendered, and his unit proceeded to do occupation duty in Japan until 1946. He received the following medals for his service: World War II Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and American Campaign Medal. Orlando was a star baseball pitcher for the San Rafael High School Bulldogs. After the war, he went back to playing ball, managing Little League and was a member of the Championship San Rafael Semi-pro baseball team. Along with baseball, he had many interests including hunting, fishing, golf, and gardening. He supplied many neighbors with an abundance of fruits and vegetables from his magnificent garden. He was a member of many civic organizations, including Club Italia, Goldenaires, SIRS Branch 22, Rod and Gun Club, and American Legion Wilkins Post 37. Orlando worked in sales for automobiles and construction for over 40 years in San Rafael. He worked for Bianco Cadillac, Shamrock, McPhails, and Tidewater Oil where he met his wife. Orlando is survived by his beloved wife Ruth of 53 years, his daughters Karen Brovelli, Janet (Len) Nibbi, and granddaughters Angelina and Christina Nibbi. Orlando was preceded in death by his dear brother George (Adda) Brovelli. There will be a service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009, at Valley Memorial Park, located at 650 Bugeia Lane in Novato, CA. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a favorite charity.