John Francis Orecchio

John Francis Orecchio, 84, of Delaware passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, at Paramount of Polaris Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 20, 1941, in Columbus to Pasquale and Dominica (Casaro) Orecchio and graduated from Central High School in 1959.

He then proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. On June 25, 1966, he married the love of his life Patricia Limotta. Together they shared 59 years of marriage. John retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad after many years as a brake man. He was a devoted and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He also was a 3rd degree member of the Knights Columbus Council #1056 and a 4th degree member of Delaware Assembly #844, both of Delaware. He loved cooking, making pizzas and spending time with his family. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and working in his garden. He loved singing, dancing, reading and teasing everyone. He was also a Civil War buff and fan of OSU football.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Patty; children, Christopher (Deb) Orecchio of Marysville, David (Evelyn) Orecchio of Richmond, Virginia and Stephanie Kreager of Sunbury; grandchildren, Caleb (Caroline), Faith (Jay), Josh (Kristen), Grace, Ava Jane, Kelly (fiance' Miguel Robertson), Jared, and Austin; great-grandchildren, Clara Jo and Beckett; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his son-in-law John "JT" Kreager, brother Pat Orecchio and his sister Catherine Tarini.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 5 – 8 p.m. at the Snyder Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Drive at W. William St., Delaware, with a sword and chalice presentation at the close of calling hours by the Knights of Columbus. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 82 E. William St., Delaware, with Rev. Fr. Denis Kigozi presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors conducted by members of the United States Army and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1095.

Contributions in John's memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation by visiting https://t2t.org/ or Delaware County Veterans Services, 91 N. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015 or ALS United Ohio, 1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221, Columbus, OH 43220.

The Snyder Funeral Center is honored to serve the Orecchio family. To share a fond memory of John or to offer condolences to his family, please visitwww.snyderfuneralhomes.com.