Orlando Molinaro – Age 89 – February 6, 1929 to May 23 2018

Orlando passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 in Chelsea, Michigan at Glazier Commons on the campus of the Chelsea Retirement Community where he enjoyed excellent fellowship and care since 2015. He is survived by his children Mark (Elizabeth) Molinaro, Andrea (John) Scharf as well as his beloved grandchildren Alexandra Scharf, Katja Molinaro and Hunter Scharf and many nieces and nephews.

Orlando was born on February 6, 1929 in Cosenza, Calabria, Italy and lived in the small village of Arcavacata. He spoke fondly and often of his childhood in Italy. In 1946 Orlando immigrated to the United States and settled in Dearborn, Michigan. In 1953 Orlando married the love of his life, Joanne, and they spent more than 52 years together until her death in 2005. He was very proud to serve in the US Army during the Korean War and prouder still to become a US citizen in 1959. He started working at Ford Motor Company in the early 1950's but soon took the opportunity to join the railroad. He began as a fireman and eventually became a locomotive engineer for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, later known as CSX Corporation. Orlando devoted 43 years to the railroad and remained happy and proud of that fact until his death. Following his retirement in 1992 Orlando devoted his time to his grandchildren, whom he adored, and to the second love of his life, his wonderful vegetable garden.

In lieu of flowers, arrangements are being made to accommodate donations to Orlando's caregivers.

Visitation Tuesday, May 29, 10:00am – 1:00pm at John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City (between Ford Rd. and Cherry Hill)

Interment service – 2:00pm at St. Hedwig Cemetery Mausoleum, 23691 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights

Memorial service – Saturday, June 23, 10:00am at the Chelsea Retirement Community, Towsley All Seasons Chapel, 805 West Middle Street Chelsea, Michigan 48118, (734) 433-1000, http://umrc.com/communities/chelsea-retirement-community/ , luncheon to follow