Obituary of Gary M. Orlando, Sr.

Gary M. Orlando, Sr., age 63, of Erie, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Erie VA Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 8, 1951 in Erie, the son of the late Joseph, Sr. and Lucille Pinczewski Orlando. He graduated from Tech Memorial High School and served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a door gunner on a helicopter. He was shot down; survived and was awarded the following medals; the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (twice), and the National Defense Service Medal. His last oversea assignment was in Germany. After the war Gary was employed with the US Postal Service in Erie until his disability retirement. He belonged to the DAV (Disabled American Vets) and the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America). He enjoyed volunteering, hunting, and the Wheelchair Games. Each hunting season Gary would assist other disabled veterans at the WCJ Ranch in Meadville in bagging their deer. Gary was an avid Otters fan and held season tickets each year. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one sister Deborah Orlando Huber in 2013 and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by two sons; Gary M. Orlando, Jr. (Gina) of FL, Brian G. Orlando of Erie, two grandchildren; Tyler Orlando (Allana) of Erie, Owen Orlando of GA, one great-granddaughter Cambria Orlando, one brother Joseph Orlando (Sue) of Erie, one brother-in-law Edward G. Huber of Millcreek Twp., and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Private services and interment Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keystone Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1113 Main Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215.