George J. Orlando

A lifelong Staten Island resident, George J. Orlando passed away at home on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 86 years old. The beloved son of August and Rose (née Marino) and the devoted husband of Eileen (née Kelly), George lived a life filled with love, passion and an unwavering commitment to his family.

Born in Rosebank, George attended Curtis High School and later had a career with the New York City Department of Water. George married the love of his life, Eileen, and together they raised three children in Great Kills, where they enjoyed a 60-year marriage. Their home was a place of warmth, laughter, and endless love for their children, whom George always considered his greatest pride. In his later years, his grandchildren brought him even more joy, and he loved nothing more than sharing their achievements with anyone who would listen.

George’s kindness, generosity, and remarkable sense of humor touched everyone he met. His legacy of selflessness and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

From the age of twelve, George pursued competitive bodybuilding with intense dedication, achieving great success in the sport. He won numerous competitions, including Mr. Universe and Mr. Eastern America in 1959, as well as sweeping all categories in the Mr. New York City competition in both 1957 and 1959. He was featured on the covers of bodybuilding magazines and was proud to work with and endorse Joe Weider products in his early career. George was also honored to be inducted into the Rosebank Hall of Fame and was featured in Legendary Locals of Staten Island, a testament to his impact on the community.

George was a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Richmondtown and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus there. Outside of bodybuilding, he was a gifted artist, creating lifelike portraits in a variety of mediums, which he shared generously with others. He also had a deep love for horse racing, enjoying countless hours at Favorites in Woodbridge, New Jersey, with his close friends.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Eileen (née Kelly), and their three children: Laura McMillen (Scott), Christine Angell (Ronnie), and Michael Orlando (Dana). He was a proud grandfather to Kelly DeMarco (Nick) , Daniel McMillen (Jacqueline), Matthew Angell (Christina), Michael McMillen (Amanda), and Christopher Angell who brought him immense joy. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Peter and Joseph, as well as his sisters, Dorothy, Madeline, Constance, and Nettie. George is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and cherished friends.

To know George was to know a man of deep character and devotion to all who were a part of his life. To have been loved by him, as his family was, was truly a blessing.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Casey McCallum Rice Funeral Home, 30 Nelson Avenue, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.