George Orlando

George Orlando, 84, of Benton Harbor, passed away Friday, April 02, 2010 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Wednesday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor with Fr. Michael Rejent officiating. Entombment will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Military Rites will be performed by Coloma American Legion Post #362, VFW Post #1137 of Benton Harbor and VFW Post #6803 of Watervliet. Friends may call from 6:00 til 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, with the Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. John-St. Bernard Parish. Those wishing to sign the Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. George was born to Antonino and Grace (Marsala) Orlando on November 9, 1925 in Riverside. He attended Benton Harbor High School.George married the love of his life Mary Catherine Forestieri on November 3, 1959 at St. John's Catholic Church in Benton Harbor and together they celebrated nearly forty-seven years of marriage. George served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the Phillipine Islands. He operated his family farm in Riverside for many years before owning and operating Orlando's Bar in Coloma. He was an avid fisherman and Cubs Fan, and enjoyed hunting, camping, and being out of doors. George cherished the time spent with his family and friends. George was a member of VFW Post # 1137 and American Legion Post # 105. George is survived by his daughter Grace Orlando and her husband Vincent Miller of Kalamazoo; granddaughter, Mia Orlando of Kalamazoo; sister, Frances Shaefer of Benton Harbor; brothers, Joseph and Paul Orlando of Riverside; and numerous beloved nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary on October 16, 2006, and a brother Anthony Orlando in 1999.