Anthony Joseph Orlando

Anthony was born in Steubenville, Ohio to Domenick and Christina Orlando on February 14, 1938. He went to Catholic Central High School where he met his high school sweetheart, Marsha Ann Lauzara. They were later married on November 11, 1961, in Steubenville, Ohio. He graduated from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with a degree in Psychology and earned his master’s degree at Auburn University. He joined the United States Air Force and was accepted into flight school and became a Pilot. He flew B-52’s in the Vietnam War. During his career he served 3 tours in Vietnam and flew 205 missions. Anthony was a decorated pilot who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross award for his heroism in bringing his crew back to base safely after his plane was struck by a missile. After the war he was handpicked to fly the new FB-111. He served for 26 years in USAF retiring as a full Colonel. His military service reflected the courage, commitment, and sense of duty that defined his life.

Anthony was an exceptionally talented man who had a lifelong passion for aviation and automobiles. His love of aviation extended far beyond his years in the cockpit. Flying was not simply his profession; it was a lifelong passion. Whether piloting military aircraft or carefully building model airplanes, he found joy in all things related to flight. His hands-on talent, attention to detail, and enduring fascination with aircraft reflected the man he was, a skilled pilot, a gifted builder, and someone who never lost his love of flying.

Anthony’s love of automobiles was equally evident throughout his life. From routine maintenance, such as changing the oil, to rebuilding a classic muscle car from the ground up, there seemed to be truly little he could not do. He possessed a natural mechanical ability, a keen eye for detail, and the knowledge and patience to bring a car back to life. Working on cars was a passion he shared with his family for as long as they could remember. Whether in the cockpit, at his workbench, or under the hood of a car, Anthony found fulfillment in understanding how things worked and using his remarkable skills to bring them to life.

Anthony is preceded in death by his wife Marsha Orlando, his parents Domenick and Christina Orlando, his brothers Frank Orlando and Sam Orlando.

Surviving are his daughters Theresa Orlando, Julie Hart and her husband Robbie Hart and his son, Anthony Orlando, Jr. and his wife Robin Orlando, his sister Ann Restifo, his 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

All services will be held at Demaine Funeral Chapel, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Va., on Saturday, October 17, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm, followed by a memorial service, a celebration of Anthony’s long and happy life, which will begin at 2:30 pm. A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The family of Anthony Orlando wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Gilchrist Hospice, specifically his nurse Rolande and Social Worker Suzanne. Their support and kindness made this challenging time a little easier.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Fisher House Foundation or Semper Fi & America’s Fund in his name. Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes near major military and VA medical centers so military and veteran families can stay together at zero cost during a loved one's hospitalization. (Fisherhouse.org) Semper Fi & America’s Fund cares for our Nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support. Today. Tomorrow. Together. (thefund.org)