Orlando Paul Fortino, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 12, 2018 at the age of 91. Orlando was born on August 30, 1927 to Antonio and Mary Fortino in Lansing, Michigan.
He graduated a year ahead of his class and enlisted in the U.S. Navy becoming a seaman 1st class from 1945-1947 serving in WWII. After being honorably discharged, Orlando joined the U.S. Marine Corp serving as a Sergeant from 1947-1951. In 1950 he was preparing to be discharged as the Korean War began. He continued his service embarking on an incredible journey serving in two invasions and six major battles. He narrowly survived the famous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in rugged terrain and sub-zero cold.
Upon returning to the States, Orlando briefly attended the University of Notre Dame followed by three years at Michigan State University, majoring in Journalism. While attending school, a posting at the U.S. Post Office on Abbot Road for the U.S. Border Patrol caught his attention. After great success in an arduous application process, Orlando proudly protected the Border in Laredo, Texas before transferring to Detroit to be near his family. There he served as an undercover investigator.
Orlando Paul married Beverly Ann Fata on June 21, 1958 in Lansing, Michigan. They settled in Lansing to be close to their families while raising their three daughters.
Orlando attended the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio becoming a Master Butcher. He worked wholeheartedly cutting meat for years before beginning a career at Oldsmobile, a Division of General Motors. He worked during the day and went to school at night to accomplish the title of a Journeyman Millwright. He retired after 25 years.
Throughout his life, Orlando was a voracious reader. He was a constant source of knowledge, especially history, to his family and friends. We thank him for his loyal service to our country.
He will be greatly missed!
Orlando was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Fata Fortino, and brother, Alfred (the late Margaret) Fortino. He is survived by his daughters, Angela (Bradley) Throop; Christine (Thomas) Farmer, and Dina (Christopher) Cosier. Eight grandchildren, Justine, Melanie and Alex Throop; Sarah (Andrew) Erspamer; Emily (Timothy) Drier, Caroline Farmer; Max and John Cosier. Four great-grandchildren, Sigmund DeVries; Reese and Hill Erspamer, and Adrienne Drier. His sister, Clementine (the late Louis) Caruso; sister-in-law Marie (the late Richard) Fata; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Orlando’s family will receive friends 10:00 a.m. Friday and 11:00 a.m. funeral liturgy following at Church of the Resurrection, 1527 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan.
Rite of Committal, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent Home for Children, 2800 W Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917 http://stvcc.org/
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.greastlansing.com
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