Frank Orlando

Frank Orlando, 97, of Meadville, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016, surrounded by his family, at Wesbury United Methodist Community, Meadville.

Frank was born in New York, NY on March 5, 1919, a son of the late Sebastian and Mary Grace (Petruso) Orlando.

He was a member of St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church.

At the age of five, he and his family moved to Meadville. He was a 1937 graduate of Meadville High School. Frank was an avid golfer where his extreme love for the game developed while caddying at Oakland Beach Golf Course with his brothers Dominic and Tony. His golf passion lead him to earn his athletic letter in golf while in high school. He introduced many newcomers to the game and was often sought out for his golf advice. Overall he played on 44 different golf courses in five states. A very giving and knowledgeable golfer, he never hesitated to help where he could and he especially loved Oakland Beach in Conneaut Lake and Yankee Run in Brookfield, OH. During his 66 year love affair with the game, he shot three holes in one on three different golf courses and shot below par on numerous occasions. In addition to the sport of golf, he also was an avid gardener. But his greatest love in life was his family and time spent with them.

Frank joined the National Guard in 1939 and went on to serve his country from 1941 through 1945 participating in the European Theater with the rank of Corporal. He was in combat as an Artillery Technician first in France during Normandy and then in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. He also served time in German Rhineland and Central Europe. He served meritoriously and was awarded five Bronze Stars. During the war he had four brothers serving at the same time but in different locations throughout the world. After the war Frank began working at the former Talon, Inc in 1946, first in Plant 5 and then in Plant 7 as a machinist. It was there that he met his wife, Marian Frisina. Retiring in 1982, his other occupations over the years included that of a bricklayer and as a laborer for the former Erie Lackawanna Railroad.

On September 14, 1946 Frank married Marian Frisina and resided in Meadville for the rest of his life, raising two children Anthony "Tony" Orlando (wife Terry) who lives in Canton, OH, and Joyce Marie Bunce (husband John) who lives in Meadville. He is also survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 70 years, Marian, his brother Dominic Orlando of Meadville, grandsons Steve Shaw, Ryan Shaw (wife Jennifer), and great granddaughter Sophie Shaw of Meadville, along with granddaughters Tracy Oxler (husband Jude) and great granddaughters Katie Oxler, Madelyn Oxler, Audrey Oxler and great grandson Jackson Oxler of Wichita, KS. He is also survived by granddaughter Lisa Appell (husband Jason) and his great granddaughters Kennedy Appell and Lakin Appell who reside in Omaha, NE.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by four brothers Joseph, Samuel, Anthony and Santo Orlando a sister Sister Mary Paul, and a granddaughter Julie Marie Shaw.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Agatha Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Johnathan Schmolt officiating.

Following Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006, Frank will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

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