Obituary published on Legacy.com by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Dec. 13, 2025.
With faith in God's promises, and after faithfully running his earthly race, Gregory W. Orville went home to heaven on the morning of December 12, 2025, to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was 68 years old and had bravely endured an 90-day battle with complications from heart surgery.
Greg was born on March 22, 1957, in
Youngstown, Ohio, to the late William and Kathryn (Wilson) Orville. He was raised on West Boston Avenue alongside his siblings, growing up in a close-knit family. He was a proud graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, Class of 1975, and a longtime member of the Carpenter Local Union 171.
Greg was a master craftsman whose hands could design, create, and build just about anything. As a skilled carpenter, he took great pride in his work, always making things sturdy, heavy, and built to last, just the way he believed they should be. His attention to detail were evident in every project he touched. Greg's craftsmanship lives on throughout the Mahoning Valley, where countless homes, structures, and projects stand as lasting reminders of his talent, work ethic, and commitment to doing things right.
Greg met the love of his life, Madelyn M. (Russo), believing their meeting was guided by mutual friends and God's perfect timing. What began as a friendship, grew into a Christ-centered love rooted in faith, trust, and mutual devotion. On April 12, 1980, they committed their lives to one another and built a life grounded in Christian values, raising their two children, daughter Danielle M. Orville (
Austin, TX) and son Zachary W. Orville (
Columbiana, OH).
Greg was overjoyed as his family grew throughout the years with the arrival of each grandchild. Oakley, Owin, Jayna, and Jemma Orville who brought him endless laughter, pride, and delight. Whether cheering at their games, building projects together, or simply sharing stories, every moment with them was a treasured gift. His grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he delighted in their accomplishments, both big and small. "Papa Greg's" love, encouragement, and playful spirit created lasting memories for all who knew him, memories that will be cherished in their hearts for years to come.
Greg had a deep and abiding love for God and Greenford Christian Church, where his faith was nurtured and his spirit uplifted. He cherished the fellowship of the congregation by spending countless hours working and volunteering, always ready to lend a hand wherever it was needed. A man of deep faith, Greg lived his life guided by the teachings of Christ and often reflected on the Armor of God, embracing its call to truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.
He is survived by his loving wife, Madie (Russo) Orville; his children, Danielle Orville, Zack (Amy) Orville; his siblings, Christine (Bob) Bradley, Bradley Orville, and Tracey (Tony) Klepec; his mother-in-law, Mary Jane Russo; and extended family, including Karen (Scott) Nelson, and Marty (Katrina) Russo, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he adored. He was preceded in death by his brother, Douglas V. Orville, and father-in-law, Martin Russo.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Greenford Christian Church located at 11767 Lisbon Rd, Greenford, OH 44422 followed by a celebration of life service led by Pastor Bruce Rhodes Jr., beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley by Compassus and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. These causes were especially important to Greg, reflecting his lifelong compassion, generosity, and care for others.
Greg's life was marked by faith, love, and a generous spirit that touched all who knew him. In remembering him, we are comforted by Psalms 25: "…when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Though he has left this world, Greg's family and friends take comfort in knowing that the Lord carried him through his final days and now welcomes him into everlasting peace and joy.
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