Christopher J. Orlando

Christopher J. Orlando, United States Marine Corporal, died January 14, 2016, in the service of freedom and his nation. Corporal Orlando, a flight crew chief, and 11 other Marines were killed when two military helicopters crashed off the Hawaiian island of Oahu during a nighttime training flight. Corporal Orlando was 23. A 2010 graduate of Hingham High School, Corporal Orlando joined the Marine Corps in the summer of 2012. At the time of his passing, he was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, stationed at Kaneohe, Hawaii. Corporal Orlando was proud to serve his country as a United States Marine, and loved his military specialty, being a flight crew chief. During his military career, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. To his loved ones and friends, Corporal Orlando - Chris, to those close to him - will be remembered for his winning smile, his unique sense of humor, his kindness and courage, and an independent and adventurous spirit. His love for the ocean, and for living in Hawaii, was evident. An avid and competitive surfer, he spent many summers as an instructor and counselor at South Shore Surf Camp in Hull. Corporal Orlando is survived by his parents, Richard and Linda Orlando of Hingham; his sister and brother-in-law, Gina and Brian Devine of Boston; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Amber Orlando, and nephew, Noah, of West Bridgewater; his grandparents, Anthony and Viola Orlando of Quincy and John and Irina Higgins of Plymouth; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as countless friends. To those who knew and loved Chris, he is sorely missed, but will never be forgotten. Corporal Orlando's memorial service will be open to family, friends, and members of the community. Once the church is filled, mourners may listen to the service at an overflow area on the lawn adjacent to the church. A memorial service with full military honors will be held Friday, April 29, 2016, at St. Pauls Parish in Hingham, at 11 a.m. Upon conclusion of the service, members of the Marine Corps will present military honors to Corporal Orlandos parents and other family members on the front steps of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations in Corporal Orlando's memory may be made to the Town of Hingham - CPL Christopher J. Orlando, USMC Memorial Scholarship Fund.