Orlando Marcano-De Jesus

Orlando Marcano Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on December 3rd, 2025.

Orlando was born on September 25, 1940, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, to Santiago Marcano and Carmen Ana De Jesús Marcano. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, learning the craft of carpentry. One of his proudest early accomplishments was helping build the staircase in the original Caguas town hall, dating back to 1860—now known as Antigua Casa Alcaldía de Caguas.

Orlando later joined the United States Army, serving with the 5th Battalion 7th Cavalry and completing two tours in Vietnam. He saw extensive combat and served courageously as a “tunnel rat,” entering dangerous, claustrophobic underground networks armed with only a pistol and a flashlight to gather intelligence, disarm traps, and engage the enemy. Orlando served his country for 20 years, retiring honorably as a First Sergeant.

Medals and commendations: Good Conduct Medal (6th award); Bronze Star Medal; Sharpshooter Qualifications Badge (M-1); Army Commendation Medal; Expert Infantryman Badge; 3 Overseas Service Bars; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars; Combat Infantryman Badge; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Expert Qualification Badge for .45 caliber pistol.

Following his military retirement, Orlando continued his service to the nation through a second 20-year career in Civil Service at Fort Benning. Known for his generosity, he cooked a full meal every Friday for his maintenance team. Outside of work, his carpentry skills flourished—he built numerous pieces of furniture, crafted kitchen cabinets, and partnered with Earl Sears to renovate many homes.

On June 16, 1962, he married his devoted wife Hilda Reina Dominguez Marcano in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Together they traveled the world to various duty stations during his military career. They raised three children: Susan Gazaway (William), Orlando Marcano (Ginger), and Janice Riedel (the late Roger, †2019).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Hiram Marcano; and his son-in-law, Roger Riedel. He is survived by his siblings Socorro Marcano, Sonia Marcano, and Cesar Marcano; three grandchildren—Rebekah Downs (Lee), William Gazaway III (Melinda), and Sarah Cordell (Amanda), Christian Riedel (Michelle); and nine great-grandchildren: Hannah, Kayden, LJ, and Jacoby Downs; Abrie and Rylan Orsini; and Annie, Sophia, and Hadley Gazaway.

For 28 years Orlando was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church, attending the last four years remotely due to his battle with Parkinson’s disease. He cherished the fellowship of his church family, especially the Hodges Sunday School Class, whose visits, prayers, and cards encouraged him greatly. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in 1997.

Orlando enjoyed going on cruises, watching movies, and dining out. He loved to dress sharply in his suits and had a special affection for animals. Many peaceful hours were spent bird watching from his back patio.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his caretaker, Brunilda Vargas, and to Columbus Hospice for their devoted care, compassion, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Christian School https://www.gcscolumbus.org/donate or Columbus Hospice https://www.columbushospice.com/donate