Vincent Joseph Orazi

Vincent J. Orazi of Richmond, Virginia passed away on August 10, 2023 at the age of 85 after a short illness. He was born on April 3, 1938 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the son of Felix and Vita (Colletti) Orazi.

Vincent graduated from the all boys Thomas Jefferson High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1956. After graduation, he began work at his father’s garment factory and soon married his high school sweetheart Thelma Lamb, who attended the paired all girls Battin High School in Elizabeth. They celebrated their 65th year of marriage in December of 2022. Vincent worked his way up to become head of manufacturing operations at the factory, which produced primarily children’s clothing for regional department stores, and was responsible for directing the work of over 600 employees. During his tenure the factory was known in the industry for efficient operation, quick turnaround, and extremely low-defect production.

In 1969 Vincent moved his family to Richmond, where he opened up the first Dunkin’ Donut franchise in the state of Virginia. The store, which he owned and operated for over 25 years, served as both a source of employment and a second home for his family, and was the origin of many fond memories and lasting friendships. Vincent loved the sea, and numerous family vacations involved trips to beaches up and down the Atlantic coast. He developed a passion for boating as a boy, and later in his adult years would spend many hours sailing his own sailboat on the Chesapeake Bay. Always searching to expand his life experiences, he took up scuba diving in mid life, and participated in many diving adventures at sites in Florida and islands and coastal communities located in or around the Caribbean Sea. He also began lessons in Karate, where he eventually achieved the level of blue belt. He was an avid technology enthusiast, and acquired and became proficient in the use of some of the earliest personal computer models as they first became available to the public. Throughout his life Vincent had a keen interest in the financial markets, especially precious metals, and generously shared his knowledge and experience to

help family and friends work towards achieving their financial goals. Known for the humorous stories of his childhood and work exploits, he was open-handed with his knowledge and unceasingly supportive of his family.

In addition to his parents, Felix and Vita, Vincent was predeceased by a brother, Philip Orazi Jr, and a sister, Anna (Orazi) Adolph. Surviving him in addition to his wife Thelma (Lamb) Orazi are; two sisters, Susan (Orazi) Bahrt, Benedetta (Orazi) O’Grady; four children, Elizabeth Orazi, Richard Orazi and his wife Kimberly, Vincent Orazi and his wife Sharon, Antoinette (Orazi) Fadool and her husband Victor; seven grandchildren, Maria (Fadool) Janish, Victor Fadool, Kristina Orazi, Kelly Orazi, Stephen Orazi, Kalyn Orazi, Delilah Orazi; four great-grandchildren, Luke Janish, Cole Janish, Riley Janish, Jackson Orazi; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service to be held at Woody Funeral Home, located at 1771 North Parham Road Richmond, VA on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 3PM .