Nathan D. Orefice

Nathan D. Orefice, 99, of Bristol, CT, beloved husband of Sheila (Draper) Orefice of 69 years, passed away at home with his family by his side on April 25, 2023. Born on March 3, 1924, in Bristol CT, he was a son of the late Joseph and Antonetta (Marra) Orefice. Nathan was a lifelong resident of Bristol and a parishioner of St. Matthew's Church in Forestville. Nathan was a U.S. Army veteran who served our country honorably in the 28th Infantry Division during WWII. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the European Campaign and the Bronze Star for his service. Nathan was a professional pianist for more than 70 years. Most of those years, he played with his brother Bert in the Bert Orr Orchestra where they performed locally and throughout New England. He was happiest sitting at his piano playing alone or sharing his seat with one of his adored grandchildren. Nathan was an accountant and retired as the Executive Director for the Watertown Housing Authority. Beside his loving wife Sheila, Nathan leaves four children; John Orefice (Donna) formerly of Southington, Mary Jo Phelps (Stephen) of Bristol, Michael Orefice (Cynthia) of Harwinton and Elizabeth Lagasse (James) of Simsbury; his fifteen grandchildren John Orefice (Mary), Patrick Orefice (Jesse), Matthew Orefice (Elisa), Katherine Orefice (Kalaika), Erin DuPont (Adam), Meghan Martelli (Philip), Brenden Phelps (Kristen), Sarah Urso (Jason), Mary Wallace, DVM (Justin), Joseph Orefice PhD (Lindsay), Emily Bernard (Orville), Michael Orefice (Justine), Andrew Lagasse, Peter Lagasse (Allie), Annie Lagasse (Dan) and twenty-three great grandchildren (with another expected in May). He also leaves a sister-in-law Valerie Orefice and several nieces and nephews. Nathan was predeceased by his son Timothy Orefice and his brother Bert Orefice. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday morning at 10am at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave, Bristol, CT. Burial will follow in the State of CT Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown. Calling hours will be Monday evening from 5-7pm at DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation by visiting www.arthritis.org, the Brain Injury Association of America by visiting www.biausa.org, or to Next For Autism by visiting www.nextforautism.org