Nicola E. Orlando

Nicola E. Orlando

Nicola "Nick" E. Orlando, age 86, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 at LECOM Senior Living Center. He was born on December 11, 1937 in Montenero Val Cocchiara, Italy, a son of the late Pietro and Colomba Zuchegna Orlando.

As a young man, Nick embarked on a journey from Italy to the United States, attracted by the promise of greater opportunity and prosperity. Determined to pursue a better life, he arrived in the States with his father and only one of his seven siblings, facing the challenges of a new language and a different culture with limited resources. Like many immigrants, Nick took on factory jobs, working numerous shifts to support the effort of bringing the remaining family members to Erie. Years later, he and his business partner, Frank DiBartolomeo, worked tirelessly to establish a successful contracting company, a testament to his resolve and inventive drive.

Nick's proficiency is apparent in the many custom-built homes and businesses he constructed throughout Erie over a 30-year span, culminating in his final project—an office for his two eldest daughters, Orlando Family Dentistry. He relied on his craftsmanship in not only the building of his own home, but any fix, remodel, or renovation that a family member needed. Nick never backed away from a challenge and his skilled hands and prowess as a builder allowed him to create and repair nearly anything. His children bear reminders of his work all around their houses, with his deep sense of pride evident in even the smallest undertaking. He was always the person you could rely on to contribute to a project or lend a hand, the dependable one in any situation.

A devoted and proud father to five daughters, Nick's unwavering love and support was a constant source of encouragement and reassurance as they navigated their own lives. His role extended beyond that of a parent; he was a loving and involved "Papa" to his four cherished grandchildren. In many aspects of life, he stood as his family's rock, a source of strength and guidance. Nick's character was marked by devotion, generosity, and a serene calmness that defined his presence. His fortitude and positive demeanor remained steadfast during his illness. Nick's face lit up whenever he saw family, and he had a warm smile for all who visited him. His impact on the lives of his family is immeasurable, and the void he leaves will be felt every day.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Filomena Orlando; and three brothers, John, Thomas, and Joe Orlando.

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carmella Presogna Orlando; five daughters, Carla Orlando (husband, Laith Wardi), Maria Orlando (husband, Neil Murphy), Danielle Cotterill (husband, Justus Cotterill), Nicole Ferretti, and Andrea Orlando; grandchildren, Amelia and Nicolas Ferretti, Everett and Lila Cotterill, and Lydia and Alex Wardi; three brothers, Tony Orlando (wife, Barbara), Sal Orlando (wife, Mary) and Mario Orlando (wife, Lena); and his sister-in-law, Linda Orlando. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family expresses gratitude to everyone who visited Nick and assisted in caring for him over the past three years.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 1617 Walnut Street, on Friday at 11 a.m. Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. The Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/orlandofuneralhome. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to LECOM Visiting Nurses Association.