Vincent A. Orlando Obituary

Vincent Orlando passed away peacefully after a brave battle with dementia at the age of 59. He was surrounded by his loving family during the final days of his life, along with the incredible staff at Bridgewell Group Home in Beverly, MA.

As a person with Down Syndrome, Vincent taught us that love, laughter, family, friendship, and a good birthday celebration were important elements for an amazing and fulfilling life.

He was a talented athlete in his younger years, participating in and receiving medals for athleticism in the Massachusetts. Special Olympics, mostly for swimming and track & field. He was a staple at St. Peter's Tigers footballs games in his youth, while also enjoying time with his neighborhood friends at the Oval Playground playing all kinds of sports. His pride in all local professional sports teams was fierce; he wore his Patriots and Bruins jerseys with immense pride.

Vincent loved to travel around the globe to visit family in Sicily, swim in the waters off the Mexican coast, and ski the slopes in Vail, CO. He loved a fancy restaurant with a good meal and would often tell the waitstaff everything was "delicious!".

His love of music and dance were where Vincent really sparkled. He could command a dance floor better than anyone. He knew all the moves and was eager to teach anyone around him that wanted to learn. He had an uncanny ability to know every word to every song you played; music moved through him and truly made him happy.

Vincent had the privilege of being involved in many great local organizations that provide programs and services for individuals and families with disabilities including Northeast Arc, Patton Program, and Day-by-Day. The people he met and the programs he was involved in provided enrichment to his life.

Vincent is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Angela and John Sanfilippo, sister, Josephine Wilkins (husband Walter Wilkins, deceased), and brother & sister-in-law, Joseph and Antonina (Ciluffo) Orlando, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Vincent had a special relationship with his great nephew, Anthony Wilkins, who was also his godson.

Vincent was predeceased by his parents, Mariano & Antonina (Battaglia) Orlando, and aunt, Anna (Annetta) Orlando.

Vincent thrived and lived a full, rich life because his family, his friends, and his community were there to help raise and support him, despite his disability. His memory will forever live in the hearts of everyone that met him and loved him, he will be missed beyond words.

A visitation for Vincent will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish, on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Vincent's name to the Massachusetts. Special Olympics (https://support.specialolympics.org.).