My condolences to the entire Orlando family. Al & I began teaching together at NBHS & developed a friendship which continued till his passing. He was a true gentleman and professional who will be missed by all! During our last conversation this summer we both spoke about getting together to attend some NJ Devil hockey games this season as we had for the past several years. I know he is watching & rooting from heaven! Again my condolences to all the family.

Hey Al what's up?  These words between true friends are gone forever. Acquaintances are many, but true friends are a rarity. I was blessed with this rarity.  When you have a person that you can confide in, that you can trust without reservations, that you can share your inner thoughts with, that doesn't judge you, that's a true friend; that's what Al was to me. I'll never forget the speech that Al made when I received an award from St. Peter's University. It's rare that a friend verbalizes in public what you truly mean to them. It brought me to tears. I truly enjoyed his intellectual perceptiveness and his intellectual curiosity. We always discussed each other's ideas whether it was educationally significant as educators or just ideas for having fun and good times.  Yes, Al was a special individual and all those who knew him shared his wonderful demeanor. He left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His mark will remain with me until we meet again. Al, thanks for being my friend.

MY GOODBY TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND AL:

The past few days whether through people coming to my house, texting, emailing, phoning, Face booking, or here in this room now, people have expressed their extreme sorry, and love for Al. I am not surprised  I lived with him for over 41 years. I understand why.
So now I am here heartbroken, like the rest of you, and as hard as this will be for me to get though this, I need to give you just a small glimpse, of how this man has touched me too.
Two incidents come to mind that epitomize who Al is. The first one is the beginning of our relationship, when we went on our very first date. The subject of family came up, and I told him that I wanted to have 10 kids. I was serious. He calmly sat there and listened. That was his way. He didn't even choke on his hamburger, nor did I have to chase after him, as he ran out of the restaurant.
The rest of that story is history, as you see when you look around this room at the tributes to him and the unfolding of his life with our 10 children. 5 biologically and 5 through marriage.
So this next incident is about something that happened toward the end of our relationship. But first, a little background. As many of you know, I have been owning, raising, breeding, and even boarding golden retrievers in my home, for the last 20 or so years. That in itself, is not so remarkable, until you understand, that Al never grew up with animals at all, and although he liked our dogs, just having 1 at a time would have been enough for him. But he supported, and helped me, with caring for the dogs & the numerous litters of puppies born, when I needed him to, which allowed me to enjoy my passion.
With that said, this October, one of my best friend's sons is getting married, in South Carolina. I was so excited about going to the wedding and planned to make a 2 week vacation of it, and go visit many of our friends, who have moved South over the years. However, a major problem, came up with finding someone to care for my dogs, for the entire time I wanted to be away. I shared this with him, disheartened one day. He listened, with little comment, as he was known to do. That was his way. Days later, he said I have a solution for you. There are hotels that allow pets right?sooo-- lets just take all 5 of them with us. I almost cried. I always knew he loved me  BUT NOT THAT MUCH!!! What a sacrifice he was willing to make for me, so that I could have my extended vacation.
That was his way.
My Al, you know I love you, and I thank you for being a good husband to me, a great father, and a super friend. I say my goodbyes but do you remember that old 70's song from Linda Ronstadt? It keeps playing over and over again in my head.
AND I THINK I'M GOING TO MISS YOU FOR A LONG LONG TIME.

Goodbye Uncle Al! I love you so much and will miss you for the rest of my life! 
I'm so lucky to have you as my family! You and Aunt Michelle have always been so great to me & all my kids. 
Hope you are enjoying dad and uncle Mark's company. 
I'll see you again in time! 
And when someone is driving badly in front of me I'll say, "maybe they're just stupid" smile and remember you!

Daddy's Goodbye


"Happiness is like a Butterfly,
The more you chase it,
The more it will elude you.
But if you turn your attention to other things,
It comes and sits softly on your shoulder."

When we moved to Sparta my parents hung this plaque with that quote on my bedroom wall. I memorized it because what it said intrigued me.
For as long as I can remember, I pondered the hidden meaning to happiness. What is the pursuit of happiness?
 
As a child, materialistic items seemed to be so much more important. They created what I thought was true happiness.
 
But I need it! I would proclaim to my parents. You don't need it, you want it. They would say back, with a chuckle. If I continued they would interject and sing "You can't always get what you want..."which would quiet me down momentarily and dry up my alligator tears.
 
When it came to providing for my large family, my father made it his number one priority. Learning that money doesn't grow on trees and you should be happy with what you got were lessons that developed a deeper understanding for as I became older.
Unless it was a special occasion, my parents were tight on money and if you really wanted something then you needed to get a job. This life lesson was teaching me to be practical, humble and grateful which built character and gave insight to real world responsibilities.
The sacrifices that my parents made to raise five kids were unfathomable. It is amazing to think that they were able to support us all and still surprise us with special birthdays and gifts galore on Christmas.  The presents we all received were amazing but temporary. The real gift behind Christmas and other occasions is spending quality time with the people you love. Strong family morals were taught to us and keeping a loving relationship with your siblings/parents was most important. Family First was the Orlando motto. Treat others the way you would want to be treated was the second. Respect one another was the third.
These values became second nature but would have never been natural unless practiced by my preaching parents. 
As my Daddy would tape every Christmas morning on his huge VHS camcorder, my brothers and sister would take turns giving each other presents and watching them open it. It was not the gift being received but the love and sacrifice that was hidden within it. These warm memories of my family spending time together are the real connections that bring happiness.  No materialistic item ever given to me can bring me the highest level of sincere happiness that I receive when spending quality family time.  That's what it was all about. I now understand happiness more than I have thought to have ever understood it.
As my father was passing away, I asked myself How will I ever be happy again without my Daddy in my life?' That question felt so hard to answer for the first time in my life. 
As an adult, I knew it was not the materialistic items that brought a person happiness (well maybe momentarily). But the quality of time you spend with your loved ones.
I contemplated the question deeply and prayed to God for an answer. The opaque thoughts to finding happiness again evaded my mind with despair and solemn uncertaintity. As long as I can remember, happiness was easy to come by. But now it feels like it is an unreachable test.
Whenever I needed some guidance, I would go to my dad for his opinion. He would tell me Kimmy, life is not fair, and it's not easy. But it will get better. God has a plan for you. You are so strong and this too shall pass. I am here for you if you need anything. If you need any money, I can help you. 
He always had the right things to say to comfort me and let me know I was loved and supported. He was the most selfless and caring person I knew. Without hesitation he would give you his cloth hanky to clean your nose. His concern was you, not the gunk that was left on his hanky. 
I greatly admire who my father was and the lessons he passed on will continue to be practiced. I couldn't have ask for a better role model and my personal hero who prepared me for the real world equipped and ready for life's many curveballs. 
 
Clarity to the questionable pursuit of my happiness started to become more translucent.
Seeing the family for this terrible occasion to prepare for our fathers funeral was a tremendously stressful and painful event.
Through these tough days, I was in shock but still able to enjoy the thoughtful moments shared with my family by reminiscing the many great times we had with Daddy. I couldn't stop noticing the many particular similarities between Daddy's personality to ours. Daddy lives inside all of us. Our morale compass is good. This family tragedy created a time to support one another and lift one up when the other is down.  Little bits of laughter would lighten the heavy mood and cracked smiles with warm hugs were steadily supplied. When your actions are backed by love, happiness will always prevail. That's what Daddy always wanted.  He wants us to share the happy times from the past and to create new blissful moments with each other in his honor. He wants us to celebrate his life by practicing the lessons he bestowed upon us and to keep our heads up high even when the times are tough. I know that he is looking at The Gang' from above with his unforgettable smile, content knowing his life was a positive impact for anyone who was lucky enough to know him.  It became evident that the strong morals he taught us are still shining thru, even during our families' darkest days.
 
Without challenging difficulties in life, personal growth would never reach its possible potential and emotions would become dull and muted. 
In order to comprehend happiness and love, pain and suffering must be endured. Without these tangible feelings, happiness wouldn't have such depth. Although I am deeply saddened and my heart is broken for my fathers passing, I can think about all of the wonderful times I shared with him. Every memory is better than the last. This makes me happy. 

As Daddy's life became cut short and taken away from us tragically, it became essential for me to acknowledge how precious time is with the ones I love and to cherish it. Being mindful of those special bonds created are strengthened every time you share a part of yourself to that moment. Building experiences with loved ones, rather than choosing material objects will reward the soul repetitively. As the saying goes you can't take it with you." 
I do thou believe you can take your happiness with you while leaving your wisdom for the pursuit of happiness to the ones that love you dearly.

Thank you Daddy. I love you.
Kimmy

Most sincere sympathy to the Orlando family.  Al was always a gentleman and will be missed by his "North Bergen Family."  Gloria Chytrak

My heartfelt condolences to the Orlando Family. Loved looking at all of the family photos of a man who was deeply devoted to family. 
Al,his sister Lorraine were my next door neighbors growing up in Wood-Ridge. Lots of fun times as kids. My prayers.

My sincerest sympathy to Al's family.  I went to W-R High with Al.  He was such a nice guy!!  We went to the prom together.  I still have the pictures. Rest peacefully, Al.

Sitting around a campfire on the Delaware River,Al smoking a cigar all the kids running around laughing and playing.Talking about everything and nothing but content that the ones you love are right there with you.Thanks for the many memories Al, may God's love keep your family in his arms while you're away.

Michelle and Family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father, Al.  I did not know him, but after looking at the photo album of his life, I can see that his legacy was his family and friends who so obviously loved him - as he loved them - May his love live on in all of you.  With Love and Sympathy, BiBi

To the entire Orlando family, our heart aches for your terrible loss. Al was an incredible person and we will always cherish the great conversations we had with him. We will especially relish the wonderful memories of the kindness and genuine smile he carried. My he rest in peace and we pray that all of you find comfort in the beautiful memories he has left you all. We love you!
Steve & Marissa O

RIP Al . Prayers to your family ,may you rest in peace with the Lord .

Al will always be in our hearts. He was a wonderful man. We will never forget him. Tim and Marietta Marquart.

Michele and family please accept our sincere condolences . Al always made us feel welcome in your home. Whether boating cooking or just talking sports with John. He always had a smile and a little laugh. He will be greatly greatly missed here on earth. But happy to know he is at peace in heaven with our Lord.

 Michelle, Al will always be with you. He will show you signs that he is by your side. He will be in your heart and he will love and support you. Talk to him and pray to him he will hear you. He will never leave you. And when your life journey is over you will be together for all eternity. Marie Eisenhardt

OBITUARY

Alfred Orlando

January 28, 1950 – September 17, 2017

Goble Funeral Home

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