Geraldine Orlando

On December 19, 2020 Geraldine (Gerry) Orlando, nee Berthold, passed away at the age of 80. Born May 12, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Euclid, Gerry described herself as a tomboy and favored her outdoor chores over her indoor ones – she loved working in the yard and, many years later when she owned her own home in Willowick, Gerry’s property was the best kept one on the street with a pristine lawn and many flowers. She loved to bowl and play golf and participated in leagues for many years, and she loved to ride her bike and take walks. After graduating from Euclid High School, Gerry obtained an associate degree from Dyke College in Cleveland, Ohio. She went to work at TRW, where she met her future husband, Charles Orlando. In 1969, Charles had a fatal heart attack, leaving Gerry a twenty-nine-year-old widow with their sons, Tom and John, aged four and one. Gerry dedicated herself to raising her sons and providing them with every opportunity imaginable. She was particularly proud of putting both of them through college, which included study abroad programs in Europe. She was able to travel with her sons in Europe a few times, which she particularly enjoyed. Gerry was a longtime and beloved employee of Stafast Products, Inc. in Painesville, a distributor of T-nuts and other fasteners. It’s motto is “The Right Connection,” and in her role as receptionist, Gerry was the master connector between and among Stafast’s employees and customers. Gerry was the first to receive an exemplary employee award and, upon her retirement, the company named it the “Gerry Award.” In her retirement years, Gerry became a Good Samaritan to elders who lived in her community, taking them shopping and running errands for them, and simply spending time with them to keep them from getting lonely. Gerry served on the condo board and was well respected for her fairness and integrity. Gerry’s final chapter was spent living near her sons in Illinois, and over the years she became an unofficial ambassador for Chicago. Gerry developed a taste for snazzy cars (which she no doubt acquired from the Orlando family) and coats and jackets, which filled her closets. But perhaps her greatest love of all was chocolate! She is survived by her sons Thomas Orlando and John Orlando (Kristin Klaczek); grandchildren, Chaz, Olivia, Chloe and Madeline; nieces and nephews, Bob (Barb), Larry (Cathy), Laura (Rick), Michelle, Tom (deceased) (Lora), Barb (Ed), Chip and Pam (Mike); great nieces and nephews; cousins in the U.S. and Germany; and many dear friends. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, John (Hans) and Angela (Angelika) Berthold; her brother, Alfred Berthold, and brother- and sisters-in-law Marie Berthold and James and Terese Orlando; and her husband, Charles Orlando. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Gerry's name be made to a charity of your choice. Private visitation and services at Vicchiarelli Funeral Home and private interment at All Souls Cemetery.

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