NEWS

Michael Mario Orlando passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024, at his home in Davidson, North Carolina. He was born in 1942 to Viola Phyllis Orlando and Mario Michael Orlando of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mike attended St. Mark’s Catholic Church and graduated from Altoona Catholic High School in 1960.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Orlando; his daughter Larina (Brian) Pierce and son Michael (Julia) Orlando; his grandchildren: Camille, Nora, Ava, and Michael Wayne; and his sisters: Maureen (David) Sneath, Joyce (Gary) Lascoli, and Anita Palmer.

After graduating from Juniata College in 1966, Mike went on to pursue his passion for medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine, earning his M.S. (1969), Ph.D. (1971), and M.D. (1973). He then completed a double residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland (1974-1978).

Mike and Susan moved to Warrenton, Virginia in 1980, where he served as Director of Pathology at Fauquier Hospital for over 30 years. He always referred to those years as the best ones! Mike was a devoted father, an energetic youth baseball and soccer coach, and an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He treasured his peaceful life at home in the Blue Ridge countryside with his family, neighbors, friends, and several beloved dogs. As a trained tenor, he also enjoyed his singing roles in the Fauquier Community Theatre and other local productions.

Upon his retirement in 2006, Mike and Susan relocated to Davidson, North Carolina, to be near their children. In retirement, Mike started a pathology consulting business and devoted most of his free time to writing The Quantum Kiss, a “simple” book on creativity, evolution, and the meaning of life. This kept him occupied – and happy – in his golden years.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Mike’s physicians and nurses at Novant Health Huntersville ; his compassionate caregivers from Amada Senior Care; his hospice team with Via Health Partners; and his neighbor, Jon, who will continue to care for his precious goldendoodle, Abby.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to VIA Health Partners (online at www.viagiving.org/one-time-giving or mailed to: VIA Health Partners, Attn: Philanthropy, P.O. Box 470408, Charlotte, NC 28247); or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (online at www.stjude.org/donate).

Mike was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.