Joseph Philip Orlando

On January 5, 2025, Joseph Philip Orlando took the last breath of his earthly journey and passed away peacefully at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. Joe was a soft-spoken, gentle soul who always put others before himself. He was a gentleman who loved to be around and interact with people; everyone was welcomed into his house with a hug. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t refer to Joe as “a great guy.” Nothing was more important to Joe than his family, and he left behind a bunch, beginning with his beloved wife Margaret (nee Dorcey), with whom he shared 65 special years. He was the loving father of eight men who were proud to be Joe’s sons and whose wives he affectionately referred to as his daughters: Ken (Carrie) Orlando, Tim (Karen) Orlando, Paul (Susan) Orlando, Mark (Cindy) Orlando, Steve (Lisa) Orlando, Matt (Monica) Orlando, Chris Orlando, and Jeff (Carrie) Orlando. Joe was the proud and loving grandfather of Caitlin (Nigel) Orlando-Salez, Alex (Alexis) Orlando, Nick (Jordan) Orlando, Kathryn Orlando and Matthew Spaly, Emily (Charles) Cane, Olivia Orlando, Brian Orlando, Colin (Ashley) Orlando, Erick Orlando, Sarah Orlando, Jacob Orlando, Claire Orlando, Grace Orlando, Benjamin Orlando, Patrick Orlando, Cheyenne Orlando, Connor Orlando, and Madeleine Orlando. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Gabriel Orlando, Dagny Orlando, Leo Orlando, and Eva Orlando-Spaly. His nieces and nephews and their children are too numerous to count, but they all had a special place in his heart, as did his sister-in-law, Mary Brack. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Filippo Orlando and Frances (nee Pecora) Orlando, and his great-grandson, Rory Orlando-Spaly. Joe was born on August 9, 1938, and grew up on the east side of Detroit. He proudly attended the Patronage of St. Joseph Catholic School before graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1956. His humble beginnings taught him the value of a dollar and the rewards of hard work – and work he did. Beginning as a toolmaker apprentice at Chevrolet, Joe spent over 47 years working for General Motors. He worked full-time during the day to support his growing family and attended college at night, graduating from the University of Detroit with a mechanical engineering degree in 1968. If anyone was interested in listening, Joe would proudly share stories about his work travels to Germany, Japan, and Mexico, testing brakes and suspensions in the desert and on Pike’s Peak, and best of all, “Ya wanna know how they make fiberglass?” When he was not working, and after he retired, Joe’s interests were many and varied. He and Margaret travelled throughout the United States and Canada, and they had treasured memories of the time they spent in Italy, Ireland, England, and Sicily. He loved gardening and looked forward to announcing each year that “Joe’s Produce is open.” He also enjoyed picking strawberries, blueberries, and apples with his family. Although the wine he produced was unlikely to win any awards, Joe was passionate about wine and enjoyed five ounces every night. Joe was the long-time and beloved Committee Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 1930. He was a proud supporter of Troop 1930 with whom he liked to camp, hike, canoe, and cross-country ski. He was an avid bike rider for many years. Joe was active in the General Motors’ Retiree Group and the St. Joe’s Alumni Association, and he volunteered as a “wheelman” at Beaumont Hospital. He was always available to help his sons with automobile repairs, home improvement projects, and any volunteer projects that they roped him into. Joe was a cradle Catholic who practiced his faith throughout his life, attending retreats at Manresa and St. John’s, and he began each day with readings and prayer. Traditions were very important to Joe, from making pancakes on Saturday mornings, to gathering with the family on Sunday nights, holiday celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as many birthday parties throughout the year. The Orlandos gathered every February to make hundreds of pounds of Italian sausage. The Saturday after Thanksgiving is reserved for Christmas Tree Cutting followed by lunch at McDonalds, Turkey Soup in the evening, and a boisterous round of Christmas carols. These traditions will live on, as will the memories of Joe. All are welcome to say good-bye to Joe as he watches from heaven. Visitation will be Sunday, January 19, 2025, 2:00-9:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Wasik’s Funeral Home, 49150 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Twp., Michigan 48315. Friends and family will gather on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:30 before an 11:00 am at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313. He will be interred at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. A memorial luncheon will follow the funeral at Fern Hill County Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe’s honor to Traditional Redemptorist Missioners, c/o Holy Redeemer House, 15959 Bryce Road, Mussey, Michigan 48014-2906, Scouting America, Michigan Crossroads Council Camp Stewards Program, 14258 Michigan Street, PO Box 129, Eagle, Michigan 48822, or De La Salle Collegiate, The St. Joe’s Dad’s Club Endowed Scholarship Fund, 14600 Common Road, Warren, Michigan 48088.

Joseph Philip Orlando

August 9, 1938 - January 5, 2025