Chris Michael Orlando Obituary

MSG (Ret) Chris Michael Orlando, 65, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 15, 2024. Chris was the firstborn to Anthony P. and Marilyn A. (McKenney) Orlando on January 15, 1959, in Gloucester, MA. He attended St. Ann's Elementary School and graduated from Gloucester High School with a certificate in machine shop. After graduating, he worked at Cented Metals. To further his education, he joined the Army National Guard and continued to serve while attending North Shore Community College and graduating Salem State College with a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine. As a certified Athletic Trainer, he assisted many high school and college athletes and continued to serve his country in the U.S. Army Reserve until September 11, 2001, soon after which he committed to full-time active duty with the Army.

MSG Orlando served 36 years in various capacities with the Army, first in the Field Artillery and moving to a path in health care as a Medic. He was stationed at many bases in the U.S. and overseas, involved with numerous missions in support of Combat Medical units. In addition, he served as the Athletic Trainer for the All Army Rugby Team and Fort Gordon Rugby. He retired from the Army in 2019 but could not retire from meaningful contribution. He embarked on an educational journey, completing his Master's degree in Homeland Security from Endicott College at age 62, while working as an Athletic Trainer for his Alma Mater, Salem State University. He continued to employ his Athletic Training skills in the medical field.

It would not be surprising to most to know that Chris was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing and watching almost any competition. He was a passionate New England teams fan. As a youth he could always be found on the ice playing hockey. When he played, he played with his whole self; hockey, running, cross-country skiing, rock or mountain climbing and especially bicycling.

Yet there was one thing Chris loved more than sports, and that was his family and friends, with whom he spent as much time as possible. He looked forward every year to the Orlando family 4th of July festivities. He was most proud of his two beautiful granddaughters. Chris always did his best to spread himself evenly so he could be there for everyone; always making an effort to participate in the lives of those he held dear. If you were lucky enough, you got a nickname—you all know who you are. Some even got two nicknames. This is how Chris loved: silly, crazy, and, most of all, present.

Chris is survived by his wife of 11 years, Karen A. (Kallio) Orlando of Gloucester; his son, Kyle Curley and wife Laurie of Raymond, NH; his daughter, Kristin Curley and partner Jeremy Kiley of Fryeburg, ME; two brothers, Scott Orlando and his wife Charlotte of San Juan, PR and Robert Orlando and his partner Kendra Tolman of Gloucester; his sister, Anne Marie Carter and her husband Fred of Gloucester; granddaughters, Reagan and Anna Kiley, as well as his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Marilyn Orlando; his sister, Mary Ellen (Orlando) Ingersoll, and his loving first wife, Katherine (Russell) Orlando.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, at Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St., Gloucester, MA from 4-7 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann's Church, 74 Pleasant St., Gloucester on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Mount Pleasant Ave., Gloucester, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted by Cape Ann Veterans Services, 9 Dale Ave., Gloucester, MA, or Disabled American Veterans, State House, #546, Boston, MA 02133.

Cape Ann Veterans Services9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930Disabled American Veterans#546 , Boston, MA 02133Donate to CharityKeep Chris's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.