Irene DiRocco Orsini

Irene DiRocco Orsini, 98, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. She was the third of five children born to Anna and Frank DiRocco of Charleroi, PA. Irene was married to Samuel Orsini for 40 years, until his passing in 1987. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her daughter, Barbara Orsini Hemingway.

Irene was a long-time member of the Corning Country Club, where she enjoyed golf and socializing with her husband and their friends. A constant reader, she volunteered at the Big Flats town library, enjoyed completing the NY Times crosswords, and seldom missed a Jeopardy episode or a history question. A long-standing, master bridge player, Irene enjoyed playing with family, friends, and clubs in Wellsboro, PA, Corning, and Big Flats, NY, and Tokyo, where she lived for four years. In her sixties, she learned Braille transcription to translate children's books and later textbooks into Braille. Cooking was a constant. She always made sure everyone was fed and enjoyed preparing favorite foods for whomever was around. She was a lifetime artist who became prolific in her last twenty years, painting hundreds of pictures, giving many to her grandchildren. Nothing lit up Irene's face like her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing made her smile like the babies. Spending time with them brought her joy. Most of all, Irene was a quick wit who loved to share a laugh with family and friends, often at their expense. Her presence is and always will be missed.

She is survived by two sons, Richard Orsini (Gaye), of NC; and Samuel Orsini (Roberta), of ME; six grandchildren, Samuel Hemingway, Francesca Orsini, Booth Hemingway, Jessica Orsini, Anna Orsini Margius (Andrew), Seraphina Orsini; and four great-grandchildren, Lillian Orsini, Sloane Margius, Carmen Orsini, and Catherine Margius.

Funeral services will be private.