SGM (RET) Salvatore Orlando – (1927-2023)
Salvatore Orlando, 96, of Cromwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023, with his daughter, Cindy, by his side, in the comfort of his home. Sal said that his secret to a long life was a glass of wine every day. He was born in Hartford, the son of the late Salvatore and Anna (Cusmano) Orlando, the youngest of many children. Sal grew up as an orphan and was later adopted by his sister, Bonnie Cappa. Sal was drafted into the Army in WWII and later served during the Korean War. The Army gave him a home. Sal served in the Army for many years and later in the Connecticut Air Guard. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major; the highest rank achievable for a Non Commissioned Officer. Following retirement, he served in the Honor Guard providing funeral services for fellow veterans with the First Co. Governor’s Foot Guard, American Legion Post #1771. Over the course of twenty years, he conducted 2400 services and was recognized for his service with the Honor Guard by General Evon recently, with the first ribbon to recognized honor guard service. He was a member of various veterans’ associations, including the Infantry Division Veterans Association, the VFW Post 2738, the Korean War Veterans Association, Korean Chapter 1 of CT, 169th Infantry Section Corp. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. Much of his life was devoted to the Boy Scouts, influencing the lives of many young men. He was the scout master of Troop 105 in Hartford, later Troop 244 in Rocky Hill. He was recognized for his work in scouting with the Silver Beaver and the Order of the Arrow. Later, he became known as the Happy Wanderer and International Scouter Sal, while traveling to over 30 countries promoting scouting. During the scouting life, he supported many young men in obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. When not following his life of service, he worked and retired from Pratt and Whitney. He was an active member of Saint Andrew’s Church in Rocky Hill. He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Orlando Lynn (Fred) of Cromwell, and Laurie Hall (Dale) of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Emily, and Alden, who were lovingly by his side, Devin, and Darby. Predeceased and now reunited with Jensen. Special thanks to Daria, his “favorite girl”, and Ray, his on-call friend, who showed him compassion and loving care. A grave side service with military honors will be held at Center Cemetery, Rocky Hill on Monday, August 21st at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, Sal asks that contributions be made to Jensen’s Fund, 8 Ranney Street, Cromwell CT 06416 to continue “doing fun things for little people with great love”.To share memories or express condolences on-line, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.
Salvatore Orlando Obituary – Biega’s Funeral Home – Middletown – 2023 (legacy.com)
Salvatore Orlando, 96, of Cromwell, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 14, 2023, with his daughter, Cindy, by his side, in the comfort of his home. Sal said that his secret to a long life was a glass of wine every day. SGM Orlando will be missed by the CTARNG Military Funeral Honor team, where he served in the VSO for decades, and conducted over 2,400 funeral honors burial for service members.
He also was the first recipient to receive the CT Funeral Honors ribbon rom State Adjutant General (TAG) MG Fran Evon: