John Orlando

November 27,1949 ~ January 28, 2016 Lifelong Santa Cruz Resident A vigil service on Sunday, February 7, 2016 and a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 8, 2016, will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church in Santa Cruz, for John Orlando; who passed away peacefully at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. His loving family was at his bedside when he passed. Born in Zoppola, Italy, while still a toddler and accompanied by his mother, he came to America in 1951. Arriving on Ellis Island, he traveled by train to Davenport, California, where his father worked for the cement plant, and had sent for them to come and live in Santa Cruz. Mr. Orlando attended Bayview Elementary, Mission Hill Junior High School and graduated from Santa Cruz High School. He received two Associates' Degrees from Cabrillo College; simultaneously working in the construction trade with his uncle Elio Orlando. While studying at UCSC to be a foreign language instructor, he decided that firefighting would be a career that could provide him greater opportunities. His associate's degree in Fire Science, his intuition, and his perfectionism, helped him pass the Captain's Examination on his first try. Mr. Orlando's career began at Watsonville Fire Department, and continued with Central Fire District for over 27 years, 25 of those years as a captain. He leaves many dear friends, colleagues, and first responder professionals that will miss him very much. Following his firefighting career, Mr. Orlando began a second career as a commercial fisherman, where his love of the outdoors and the comradery of the Monterey Bay fishing community gave him great joy. He always felt blessed to live his life doing the things that he enjoyed most- serving people, and being outdoors. He was a skilled hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, and talented cook. He had a string of devoted hunting dogs, and never met a puppy he didn’t like. His family will forever cherish the many beautiful antiques that he was able to restore and the classic automobiles he enjoyed bringing back to life. Mr. Orlando was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, making his First Communion there; and also a member of the Marconi Club. He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Virginia Lee Coe (Orlando), his daughter Amy Leigh Orlando, his son John Lloyd Orlando, his mother Giovanna Orlando, and many loving extended family members and lifelong friends, who live both here and in Italy. Mr. Orlando considered his wife’s sisters and their families as his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his father, Artensio Orlando. A vigil ceremony will be held on Sunday evening February 7th,at Holy Cross Catholic Church (126 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA) beginning at 7 p.m. Friends may pay their respects at the church on Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. The Mass will be celebrated on Monday, February 8, 2016, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by committal at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Mr. Orlando’s memory may be made to: Recht Brain Tumor Research Fund, Stanford Cancer Center, Neuro-Oncology, Room CC2221,875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5826; or to California Deer Habitat and Wildlife Conservation Projects (caldeer.org).