Orlando L. Manfredi MD

He was born on July 2, 1924, to Teresa and Armando Manfredi in Poughkeepsie, New York. While growing up in the Depression in Newark, New Jersey, Orlando forged a keen desire to help support his four sisters, Ida, Elena, Ginetta and Anita, as they navigated living though those tough times. From selling newspapers on the corner of Broad and Market Streets, shining shoes downtown, or ushering at the Adams Theatre, Orlando developed an unapparelled work ethic.

In June of 1942 he joined the Navy, and proudly served on the USS Briareus in the Pacific Theatre of Operation, until his honorable discharge with the rank of Chief Pharmacist’s Mate in December 1945. During his service, a fortuitous mentorship by the ship’s doctor launched his determination to pursue a medical degree.

Orlando attended Seton Hall University and medical school at Marquette College of Medicine.

During his residency at the Bronx VA hospital, Orlando met the love of his life, Diana Elisabeth Wild, by interrupting her shot in a very competitive water polo game. Despite his shenanigans, true love cannot be denied, and they were married on September 16, 1956. Three children quickly followed, Ronald, Donna, and Lon Philip. “Londo” as he was affectionately called, and Diana, shared an epic love. They moved to the then, bucolic borough of Staten Island, and became avid “Islanders.” As best friends and steadfast partners, they built a beautiful life.

In 1957 he joined the nascent Radiology Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Staten Island, New York and served as the Chairman of Radiology until 1999. He founded and directed their Radiology Residency program. He made pioneering advancements in the field of cobalt therapy cancer treatments. Other hospital appointments include Director of the Physician Assistant program at US Public Health Hospital, Staten Island, 1971-77, Chairman of Radiology, Bayley Seton Hospital, 1981-1999, and Chairman of Radiology at Doctor’s Hospital 1993-1995.

He provided decades of energetic and compassionate service before initiating Regional Radiology, an innovative outpatient imaging and radiation therapy center, in Staten Island. He served as Director from 1989 to 1999. Despite Orlando’s favorite quote “work till death”, Diana cajoled him into retirement in 1999. Nothing brought more joy to him than planting a few dozen arborvitae or sharing a plate of Diana’s excellent marinara sauce with family and friends. While travel was part of their retirement adventures, his biggest satisfaction came from spending time at their beach house or Hudson valley home with treasured loved ones.

His honors, scientific papers and medical society associations are too exhaustive to list. He was an avid teacher, a dedicated and adored doctor, and beloved by those who worked with him. His greatest joy as a physician came from his love and dedication to his patients. Orlando’s personality, verve for life and commitment for excellence made him a role model for the ages.

A family man through and through, Orlando is survived by his wife Diana, children, Ronald Anthony Manfredi M.D., Donna Elise Murphy esq., Lon Philip Manfredi M.D., grandchildren, Katherine Elisabeth Manfredi, Alexander Mills Manfredi, Robert Raymond Murphy, Orlando Luigi Manfredi II esq., Olivia Hunter Manfredi, and great grandchild, Gabriela Jeanette Manfredi.

Visitation will be on July 5th, 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm, at Harmon Funeral Home, Staten Island. A reception at LiGreci’s Staaten will immediately follow.

Funeral services for the family will be on July 6th, 11 am, at St. John the Evangelist, Pawling. Interment will follow at Raymond Hill Cemetery, Carmel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to support the Dr. and Mrs. Orlando L Manfredi Endowed Scholarship Fund can be made to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Attn: Office of Institutional Advancement, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226-0509 or online at mcwsupport.mcw.edu/makeagift (please add fund name in the gift designation section).

And to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 80 Washington Street, Suite 204, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 845-240-7609.