Joseph Mario Orlando, former educator, and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully, after a six year struggle with Alzheimer's disease on Friday, September 26th with his wife by his side. He was 85. Born on August 16, 1929 in Philadelphia to Joseph and Grace Orlando, he graduated from King of Peace Grammar School and La Salle College High School. He received a BA from Drexel University and a MS from Temple University. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Missouri during the Korean conflict. Upon his discharge in 1955, he taught business education for two years at Chichester High School. He then taught for nine years at Smyrna High School and served as the first athletic director. In 1966, Orlando became principal of Kent County Vocational Technical High School (Polytech High School). There, he retired as Superintendent in 1988. He then spent fifteen years as Comptroller at Mancini Auto Parts in Philadelphia. A founding member of St. Polycarp's, he served as chairman of the parish finance council and taught religious education. He served on the board of Kent-Sussex Industries, was a founding member of Brother Vincent Knights of Columbus Council, as well as Sons of Italy Caesar Rodney Lodge. He was past president of the Smyrna Lions Club and a member for 57 years. He served as president of the Delaware Association of School Business Officials, and was a member of the American Legion and VFW. His interests included gardening, reading and travel. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan Mangiamele and by his five children; Mary Grace Hutchinson (George), Margo, J. Martin, LTC Vincent Michael and Susan Taylor (Keith). Also survived by his sister, Angel Grasso (Al) and 2 nephews, Joe and Paul Grasso and niece, Elise Manzi. He will be dearly missed by his six grandchildren who lovingly called him Joe-Joe: Mario and Matthew Orlando, Andrew Hutchinson and Daniel, Nicole and Gina Taylor. The family would like to give special thanks to all his caregivers from Bayada and Delaware Hospice, especially Janett Misla. A viewing will be held 6-8:00 PM Tuesday September 30 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 11:00 AM Wednesday October 1 at St. Polycarp Catholic Church, Ransom Lane and South St., Smyrna. Burial will military honors will be 11:00 AM Thursday October 2 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Rd., Newark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 240 N. James Street, Ste. 100A, Newport, DE 19804 or alz.org. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com. Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.