Orlando Luzzi

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orlando Luzzi, age 89, of Wayne, NJ.

Orlando was born and raised in Acri Cosenza, Italy and was one of four children to Giuseppe and Rosaria Luzzi.  He grew up in the Southern Mainland of Italy during the Second World War, and due to limited schooling, Orlando enlisted in the Italian Army where he served as a medic for four years. 

Following his honorable discharge from the Italian Armed Forces, Orlando was introduced by a neighbor to a beautiful young lady named Teresa Forlino.   As fate would have it, they fell in love, and on September 24, 1958, the two exchanged wedding vows and became husband and wife. 

The newlyweds settled in their hometown of Acri, Italy and while residing there, due to lack of work in Italy, Orlando would travel to and from Germany for work.  During their time living in Acri, the couple welcomed the births of all four of their beloved children; Josephine, Franca, Anthony, and Mario.  After several years, in 1971, as the family grew, they emigrated to the United States in search of the “American Dream” and a better life. 

The family settled in Newark, NJ upon their arrival in the United States.  Orlando found employment quickly with the Nessor Alloy Corporation in Fairfield, NJ.  After working with Nessor Alloy for several years, Orlando left the company, accepting a position at J. Joseph Wallpaper in Hackensack NJ.  In 1991, Orlando called upon his learned masonry skills and accepted a position as a mason at William Paterson University in Wayne.  Orlando was a member of the Union Local 195 and held this position at William Paterson University for the next twenty-five years until his retirement in 2011.

Orlando’s family lived in Newark until 1980, then moved to Nutley where they bought their first home.  Orlando and his family stayed in Nutley for fifteen years until moving to Wayne in 1995 and have been there ever since. 

Orlando was a man of varied passions, he loved to hunt, fish and crab.  Yet, it was in his kitchen and cellar where Orlando truly excelled. He delighted in the art of winemaking, creating homemade sauces, and became legendary among friends and family alike for his homemade prosciutto, salami, and capocollo.

Those who knew Orlando best, knew that the greatest passion in his life was his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to him than providing for and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He cherished hosting holidays and family gatherings at his home where everyone would get together, eat, listen to traditional Italian music, and play Italian card games.

Orlando was a charismatic soul who treasured connecting with others.   His home was a haven where the doors were always open, welcoming anyone he met to join in lively gatherings and meals. He possessed a gift for storytelling, captivating listeners of all ages.  Wherever Orlando went, he effortlessly made friends, his infectious laughter and genuine interest in others formed friendships that lasted years.  Orlando will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone around him.  He will be sincerely missed by all who knew him.

Orlando is survived by his wife Teresa (Forlino) of Wayne, NJ, two daughters; Josephine Simone and her husband Angelo of Wayne, NJ, and Franca Drelich and her husband Wesley of Manahawkin, NJ, two sons; Anthony Luzzi and his wife Jennifer of Wayne, NJ, and Mario Luzzi and his wife Elaine of Wayne, NJ, two brothers; Luigi Luzzi of Westerly, RI, and Cardiano Luzzi of Livingston, NJ, nine grandchildren; Peter Simone and his wife Danielle, Daniel Simone and his wife Lauren, Rosalinda McLaughlin and her husband Sean, Alicia Knox and her husband Christian, Alex Drelich, Nicholas Luzzi, Ryan Luzzi, Luke Luzzi, and Jack Luzzi, and eight great-grandchildren; Ava, Aria, Eliana, Dean, Cora, John, Bennet, and Miles.  He was predeceased by his sister Bomina Gencarelli.