James A. Orlando, 68, of Endicott, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of kindness that will never be forgotten.
He was predeceased by his mother, Suzzanne (Martone) Orlando; his father-in-law, Blair Taladay; his grandparents, Joseph and Palma (Crescente) Orlando, and Patsy and Anna (Komar) Martone; his aunt, Angela Lynch; his uncles, James Martone, Andrew Martone, Patsy Martone, and Robert Martone; and his cherished, lifelong friends, Bobby Crane, David Pisani, Jim Kushner, and Frankie Parisi.
James is survived by his loving family, wife of 34 years, Janice; children, Gabriella and Joseph (Julie); precious grandson, Tino James; father, Joseph; sister, Lynn; aunts and uncles, Diane Orlando, Patty Ann Regulski, Anthony Martone (Linda), Joseph Martone, Rozannah Martone, Donald Martone (Gerri); mother-in-law, Carole Taladay (Lance Morgan); sister-in-law, Jeanie Baldwin (Robert); niece, Meagan Coolidge (Tyler); nephew, Austin Malarkey; great niece, Rylin Coolidge; and many cousins.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend, Jimmy O. had a way of making life better simply by being in it. He was a light for so many people; a comforting presence, a helping hand, and someone who always put the needs of others before his own. Those who knew him often told his family what a wonderful man he was, sharing stories of his kindness and the ways he had made a difference in their lives. Family,
faith, and spending time with those he loved meant everything to Jimmy.
Whether gathering for Tino Tuesdays, or sitting down together for Sunday sauce, he cherished the familiar traditions that he was raised on. Even through the hardest days of his illness, his selflessness remained. After losing the ability to eat in February, he still encouraged Janni and Gabriella to make sauce, meatballs, and spiedies so he could enjoy the familiar smells and know that the people he loved were enjoying a good meal.
To Jimmy, those were life’s greatest gifts – a full table, laughter, and his family close by. The love and traditions will forever hold a place in his family’s hearts.
His faith was a very important part of his life, and St. Anthony’s Church held a special place in his heart. He served as a religious education teacher for many years and as a Eucharistic minister, sharing his faith with both the children he taught and his parish community. His love for God was reflected in the kindness, generosity, and compassion he showed others every day. His family finds comfort in that faith and knowing that he is now at peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before him.
Jimmy O. was a graduate of Union-Endicott, class of 1976, and Broome Community College. He then managed Joe Orlando & Son Contracting with his dad for over 30 years. He was an avid sports fan, rooting for the NY Giants and NY Yankees, but his favorite teams were always the ones his children and Tino played on. Watching Gabriella, Joey and Tino play brought him tremendous joy, and he was their biggest
supporter, both on and off the field. He also devoted over 20 years of his life coaching Little League baseball, without even having a child on the team for many of those years. Through his patience, encouragement, humility, and kindness, he made a lasting difference in the lives of the young players he coached, many of whom remember him fondly to this day.
The loss of his presence will be felt in countless moments: the conversations we wish we could have, listening to Frank Sinatra in the kitchen, and the familiar places where we will always look for him. We will miss his voice, his comfort, and the simple reassurance of him telling us, “It will all be OK”.
Jimmy’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, and staff at Broome Oncology and on Main Tower 5 at UHS Hospital for their unwavering dedication, support, and care throughout his treatment journey. The comfort they provided Jimmy and the support they offered his family during the most difficult days will always be remembered with deep appreciation and gratitude.
To his family, he was Home. We will carry his love with us for the rest of our lives. Dad will be truly missed by all.
A mass will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Church on Tuesday, October 27th at 11am. The family will welcome anyone who knew and loved Jimmy O. to the church beginning at 10am. Please kindly consider a donation to Mercy House or St. Jude’s Hospital, in his honor.