Michael A. “Mike” Orlando
Orlando, Michael A. “Mike”, 69, of St. Louis, MO, died peacefully after a battle with Parkinson’s disease on March 4th, 2021.
Mike was born in St. Louis, MO, and graduated from McCluer High School. He continued to St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley, where he received an AA in business.
Mike was married to Julia Orlando (nee: Brawley) in 1986. They were together for 40 years.
Mike was a numismatist and entrepreneur for almost 50 years. His hobbies were playing racquetball, admiring classic cars, and spending time with friends at Starbucks. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed American history and collecting rarities. He was a lifetime member of the St. Louis Numismatic Association and American Numismatic Association.
Mike is survived by his sons John and Michael Jr., his brothers John and Larry and their families, and many friends and other relatives who miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents Salvatore (Sam) and Anna Jean Orlando (nee: Gilliam), and brother Frank Orlando.
In lieu of flowers, those with special memories of Mike are asked to share them in the obituary guestbook.
Ezekiel 25:17
Mike was a childhood friend of mine. We both grew up in North St. Louis at East Grand Water Tower. He lived about 5 doors down from me and we spent every day together either in school, playing sports, or just hanging out. So many good memories and as we grew into adulthood we worked together and played around with Hot Rod cars. Spent weekends cruising and watching races on Hall St. Mike impacted many people and he will truly be missed. GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND ALL THOSE WHO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KNOW MIKE!!!
I met Mike about 10 years ago. I enjoyed our talks when we met to talk about precious metals. I am sorry for your loss. I just learned of his passing when I tried to contact him.. I will miss him.
Mike and I met and became friends in the early 1970’s and we shared a passion for coin collecting,playing cards and racquetball( he carried me) and our many trips to Las Vegas.
He will be missed by all. Our Deepest Sympathies to the family and all of his friends.
Mike and I were friends who loved talking about our past growing up in North St. Louis. Our friendship started over a cup of coffee at the Starbucks in Ladue. Mike always introduced me to his friends. As our friendship grew, I discovered he was a close buddy of one of my childhood friends, our kids attended Ladue High School together at the same time, and my daughters got to know his wife while working at the University of Missouri bookstore. Mike encouraged me to excel in my second career as a Athletic Director and Special Education teacher in the St. Louis Public School district. We laughed a lot about my experiences in the St. Louis Public Schools. I had the opportunity to meet his son’s at Starbucks and Michael shared with me their successes in college and in their careers. I really miss my best buddy and I will cherish the moments we shared together discussing family, politics, and careers. Lastly, Mike was a source of strength for me as I battled Prostate Cancer and my wife’s struggle with Cancer, too. I truly miss him and I my Love and Sympathies to his family.
what a sad shock to read about my friend and favorite numistmatic dealer for 35+ yrs passing at shows i would always go to mikes table first. Mike even came to my sisters funeral in st louis her name was suzy ball gunter a former Indiana univ. cheerleader who mike met lots of times
. Mike and i would do a fun show and tell off mumistmatics and collectables sadly will be missed !!! very sincerely steve I Ball bloomington indiana
Met Mike many years ago at the Long Beach coin show. He always had the nicest coins.It was always a pleasure doing business with him.
Saw Mike at coin shows for 35 years. Enjoyed connecting with him as much as anybody on the bourse floor because of his genuine, present, gentle, friendly personality. I am very sad indeed knowing I won’t get to connect with him at shows in the future. Thanks for being a good friend and a super human being.
Mike was a nationally known figure in the coin collecting and jewelry acquisition. He was my go to guy to discuss value and condition of coins. His favorite saying was “there are two classes of coins: ones that have been messed with, and ones that are going to be messed with.”