Anthony "Tony O." Orlando

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we remember a devoted husband, proud veteran, dedicated firefighter, and faithful friend. Tony O. passed away on May 15, 2026 at age 86. Predeceased by his parents, and brother, he is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jean, daughter, Lisa Powers, and grandchildren, Claire Powers and Colin Powers, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Born in Rochester on November 4, 1939, to Nelson F. and Texas Dolly (Hatfield) Orlando, Tony joined big brother David in their White City home. He reminisced fondly about riding his bike with friends and working from a young age at Herrema’s grocery store. He and a devoted group of grammar school friends stayed in touch and organized reunions for decades. He saved the letters from John Herrema that encouraged him to live a life of purpose and recommended him to the service academies. He started high school at Irondequoit, then switched schools and graduated in 1957 from Edison Tech, keeping in touch with those friends until his passing. He regaled his friends and family with tales of their exploits in and out of school.

Recruited to work as a draftsman for LeChase Construction through one of his high school teachers, he thought he would continue in that career, but fate intervened and he enlisted in the Army. Although he had participated in the United States Naval Reserve program while in high school, his decision to enlist in the Army set up a lifetime rivalry with his father and brother, both Navy veterans. Tony loved his time in the service as part of the 76th Engineer Battalion, training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and ultimately spending a year in South Korea helping rebuild infrastructure following the Korean War. He would later join the Reserves and spent many summers helping lead training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was particularly proud of his work with young soldiers and loved mentoring them.

After returning to Rochester following his service, a friend suggested he take the entrance examination for the City firefighters. That began almost three decades of service throughout the City of Rochester, including a stint at the Fire Academy. Captain Orlando was a friend to all, although he could be a thorn in the side of his commanding officers, as he frequently made suggestions for improvements that were not always well received. He was known for having a temper that flared at any kind of injustice and never shied away from addressing any perceived abuse. He cared more about integrity than advancement.

He met his bride, Jean, in 1964, and they married within a year, celebrating their 61st anniversary the week before he passed away. They lived close to each other in the city while dating, and he would leave notes for her in her car on his way to the bus stop for his shifts. He wrote her silly notes and called her his “Jeannie girl” until the very end.

Tony and Jean had one daughter, Lisa. Jean joked that he and his antics were like having multiple kids, so one child would have to suffice. If he was disappointed in having a daughter, he never let on. He spent many hours teaching her to swim, fish, and swear. He tried to teach her to drive, but after he almost came to blows with someone who yelled at her for stalling the stick shift on a hill, they decided Jean should take over that role. He passed on his love of history, especially World War II, reading, spending time by any good lake, storytelling over drinks, and his values. The authoritarian who wanted rules respected was also the softest touch who would tear up and get sentimental over birthday cards. He always made sure his family knew he loved them, telling them often and loudly.

His booming voice was uniquely his, whether telling stories, cursing mishaps at home, singing in church, or cheering on the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Claire and Colin Powers. Everyone in the stands at field hockey or baseball always knew when he was at a game. He was happiest when he was with the kids, whether building bonfires or boating at Honeoye Lake when they were little, or later watching their many school events and sports.

You could count on Tony to make corny jokes, banter with servers, stop to thank a veteran, and always have a willing ear. He might be a bit insistent on his own views (beware), but he loved to spend time with his “buddies” at the East Rochester Volunteer Fire Department, later with the Exempts, and always with the crew at Prince George’s and, later, the Corner Sports Bar.

A true American patriot, he deeply respected the flag, cherished the principles of the Founding Fathers, and never missed an opportunity to teach others the importance of freedom, integrity, and service. He frequently passed out pocket copies of the Constitution and never missed correcting anyone who claimed the United States was a democracy. (We live in a constitutional republic.)

A staunch conservative, he was very concerned about the decline of our country in recent years and proudly exercised his 2nd Amendment rights. He was known for the collection of bumper stickers on his trucks, the patches on his Army jackets, such as “I love my country, but I fear my government,” and his many letters to the editor of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, some of which were even printed. He was always especially pleased when he made it on air with Bob Lonsberry.

Tony was always willing to lend a hand with any project or simply offer a compassionate ear. He believed that kindness and service were among life’s greatest callings. He didn’t even mind walking and cleaning up after his beloved “granddogs.”

He had a deep love for rock and roll and country music, and his deep baritone was a joy to hear. In later years, he didn’t play music as much, but when he had his series of Jeep Wranglers in the 1970s and 1980s, you could usually hear Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, and classic country as he drove by. He was always up for a little “shuffle ball step” at celebrations. He had so much fun at Lisa’s wedding that he ripped his tux pants and returned them with napkins tied on to keep them up. And of course he loved baseball, especially his Cubs. He counted down to spring training, opening day and then kept everyone updated all season long. Pure joy to see them finally get their World Series win!

The day he died started with him sitting in the sun, watching the birds at the front-yard feeders and feeding peanuts to the squirrels who loved him as much as he loved them. The neighborhood chipmunks and squirrels would even try to hop on him when he fell asleep because he was so calm with them. (He always had far more patience for animals than for humans.)

Those who knew him will remember his firm handshake, generous heart, steadfast patriotism, and the pride he carried for his country and family. He lived with humility, strength, and conviction.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Family will receive friends on Thursday May 21, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, a funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 AM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 6 Empire Boulevard, Rochester, NY, 14609.

Entombment at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY, 14534.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: St. Jerome's Church, 207 Garfield St, East Rochester, NY 14445.

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