Joseph Orlando

On July 2025 Joseph Philip Anthony Orlando of Hackensack, NJ Passed away at the age of 81. Mr. Orlando was born in Manhattan, NY to Dr. Philip A. Orlando and Matilda R. Orlando, a nurse. He was raised in the Bronx in a home his paternal grandfather from Sicily, Italy built. Joseph attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Mt. St. Michael’s Academy in the Bronx. He received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Tampa, Florida. He then went on to receive two master’s degrees from Long Island University and St. John’s. Mr. Orlando touched so many lives in so many ways. He served as grammar school teacher for forty years within the NYC public school system where he gained the love and respect of his students. Joseph was an avid Yankee fan attending home games since he was a child. He loved to travel during summer breaks to such places as Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, Canadian Rockies, The National Parks and of course Disney World in Orlando. He was an avid reader of many historical books and adventure novels. He was a passionate cat lover and donated to several animal charities. He shared a unique bond with his current beloved feline companions, Dominick and Coco. They were inseparable. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Oradell, NJ where he served as a Sunday presentation usher at the 7:30am Mass. Mr. Orlando leaves behind his sister Joanne Orlando Wierzba of Ashburn, VA (James); His Devoted friend Christine of Oradell, NJ; His beloved niece Anne Wierzba Leslie of Arlington, VA (Jonathan); Great nephews Noah and Joshua Leslie; His dear nephew Edward Orlando Wierzba of Ashburn, VA (Shri); great nephews James, Anthony, and Teddy Wierzba; His close friend Jose Rodriguez of Peekskill, NY; dear cousins Joseph and John Orlando of Rhode Island, Linda Para of Arizona, Robert and Gene Miller of Maryland, Aline Miller and Joan Vertigan of NY, and Pat Curtis of California. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Oradell, NJ Tuesday July 29th at 10:00am. Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.

Joseph Orlando

July 25, 2025