John Joseph Orlando Sr. passed away January 5, 2021, at the age of 84 in Fort Worth, Texas.

John Joseph Orlando Sr. is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Leah (Jenkins) Orlando. Donna went to the Lord, June 15, 2019. His parents: Guisepp, and Agatha“Lena” Orlando. His siblings: Bonnie Orlando,Nina Damico, Willie Orlando, Mike Orlando, Joe Orlando, Sam Orlando, Vera Bean, Leo Orlando, Frank Orlando, Angie Hawkshaw, Dominic Orlando, and Pete Orlando.

John Joseph Orlando is survived by his brother, Jim (Myrtle Ann) Orlando, His children: Sandra (David) Boland, Janet (William) Ziercher, John Jr. (Fiancé, Jessica Grady) Orlando.His grandchildren: Kelly (Kylene ) Boland, Casey Boland, Ryan Boland, Kyle (Katie) Ziercher, Keith (Angie) Ziercher, Kristin (Scott) Bass, Kourtney Ziercher, Kameron Ziercher, Kandace Ziercher, Landin Jordon (son of Jessica Grady).His great-grandchildren: Layla Goldman, Preston Goldman, Kaleb Ziercher, Brantley Ziercher, Aubrey Ziercher, Violet Ziercher, Brayden Bass, Liam Bass, Addalyn Bass, Zayne Bass, Berkeley Boland, Piper Boland, and 2 unborn great-grandchildren, due in 2021’.

John Orlando Sr. was born September 29, 1936, to Guiseppe and Agatha “Lena “Orlando (Nee Palazzolo). John grew up in the St. Louis area. He was from a large Italian family. There were 14 children in his family. John had 10 brothers and three sisters.

He was a natural at sports. As a young adult, his father, Guiseppi, and his brothers started their own baseball team. The Orlando Brothers.

Interestingly, LIFE magazine found the Orlando family quite unique. The magazine covered their story and shot several photos of their family and their ball team. John favored all his siblings, but he had a special bond with his identical twin brother Pete. Sadly, Pete passed away December 10, 2020, a few weeks before John’s passing. Their love for one another was undeniable. In high school, both boys did everything together, and both were outstanding athletes. John not only played baseball, he played football, and was a champion wrestler for his high school wrestling team. John’s athletic ability caught the attention of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. His impressive athletic ability was awarded with a Football Scholarship to SIUE.

John later married his high school sweetheart, Donna. Together, they raised three beautiful children, Sandy, Janet, and John Jr. They were married for 60 years, until Donna’s death in July, 2019.

One of John’s finest career accomplishments was working for the St. Louis Baseball Cardinal’s at Busch Stadium. He played batting practice with them, warming them up before Home games hosted in St. Louis. He proudly worked for the St. Louis Cardinal’s for many years. John also had quite a few golfing buddies. If they weren’t golfing, they were playing cards!

Several years ago, John was honorably inducted in the Amateur Baseball Hall Of Fame.

His Christian life took off at North Side Baptist church

in Florissant, Mo. where he volunteered frequently and quickly became friends with the Lead Pastor.

John certainly had a passion for the sports world, but more importantly, he had passion for his family.

John will be remembered for being a dedicated husband, loyal friend, brother, son, father, uncle, grandfather, and GREAT grandfather. He will be truly be missed by all.