Obituary for Orlando Carl Schiavoni
Orlando Carl “Duke” Schiavoni passed away peacefully in his Willoughby Hills home just shy of his 91st birthday. The Buckeye State, or at least Lake County, has lost its longest and greatest Ohio State fan. Hallie (nee Roy), his cherished wife of 50 years, and his four-legged friend, Archie, were by his side.
Duke was born Sept. 27, 1932, to Angela (nee Gagliardo) and Anthony Schiavoni in Cleveland’s Little Italy.
Orlando was a U.S. Army veteran, who served during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Ohio and was employed at Merrick Lithograph Company. Subsequently, Duke was hired at East Ohio Gas Company and that is where he remained until he retired in 1992.
A dedicated family man, he enjoyed spending time on bleachers rooting for his kids and grandkid’s teams. Retirement allowed more time for indulging in his favorite things. Golf was his sport of choice and there was not a casino in the states or the Caribbean, where he was not willing to try his luck. Many fond memories were created in Las Vegas with family member and dear friends: the Razzantes, Ziccardis and Zavodniks. Golf Digest once wrote that, “an amateur golfer’s chance of an ace is 12,500 to 1.” Not one to be deterred by a long shot, Orlando got that elusive Hole-in-One.
His athletic prowess was not limited to the links. Orlando took to the lanes as well, aimed at the pocket and rolled himself a perfect 300. The mental fortitude and finesse required to achieve such success on the fairway and alley were likely aided by his passion for crossword puzzles. Duke relished time at home, both in Ohio and in Little River, S.C. In particular, he savored sitting on his comfy chair in his man cave watching all Ohio sports, movies and musicals from the 30s and 40s and Fox News.
A voracious reader, his mind could rival any of the finest analysts or statisticians in news today. This is a trait shared with kids and grandkids, and often let to loud, animated discussions, particularly if “That Team Up North” was involved.
Orlando was preceded in death by his parents, Angie and Anthony; stepfather, Al Vaccariello; son, Scott; sister, Abbie Jean (Wayne) Pacholke; brother, Chuck (Judy); and siblings, Ronnie, Marilyn, Kathleen and Toni.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Hallie; sons, Mark (Amy) and Eric (Diane); daughters, Debi (Steve) Shepherd and Venetia Schiavoni; siblings, Tony (Katherine), Dominic (Pam) Vaccariello, Sandra (Dave) Sacash, and Carmy (Monti) Patchin; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that amused and brought great joy to Orlando; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the team at Hospice of the Western Reserve for their incredible care and love that they gave to Duke.
A private family service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.
Duke was born Sept. 27, 1932, to Angela (nee Gagliardo) and Anthony Schiavoni in Cleveland’s Little Italy.
Orlando was a U.S. Army veteran, who served during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Ohio and was employed at Merrick Lithograph Company. Subsequently, Duke was hired at East Ohio Gas Company and that is where he remained until he retired in 1992.
A dedicated family man, he enjoyed spending time on bleachers rooting for his kids and grandkid’s teams. Retirement allowed more time for indulging in his favorite things. Golf was his sport of choice and there was not a casino in the states or the Caribbean, where he was not willing to try his luck. Many fond memories were created in Las Vegas with family member and dear friends: the Razzantes, Ziccardis and Zavodniks. Golf Digest once wrote that, “an amateur golfer’s chance of an ace is 12,500 to 1.” Not one to be deterred by a long shot, Orlando got that elusive Hole-in-One.
His athletic prowess was not limited to the links. Orlando took to the lanes as well, aimed at the pocket and rolled himself a perfect 300. The mental fortitude and finesse required to achieve such success on the fairway and alley were likely aided by his passion for crossword puzzles. Duke relished time at home, both in Ohio and in Little River, S.C. In particular, he savored sitting on his comfy chair in his man cave watching all Ohio sports, movies and musicals from the 30s and 40s and Fox News.
A voracious reader, his mind could rival any of the finest analysts or statisticians in news today. This is a trait shared with kids and grandkids, and often let to loud, animated discussions, particularly if “That Team Up North” was involved.
Orlando was preceded in death by his parents, Angie and Anthony; stepfather, Al Vaccariello; son, Scott; sister, Abbie Jean (Wayne) Pacholke; brother, Chuck (Judy); and siblings, Ronnie, Marilyn, Kathleen and Toni.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Hallie; sons, Mark (Amy) and Eric (Diane); daughters, Debi (Steve) Shepherd and Venetia Schiavoni; siblings, Tony (Katherine), Dominic (Pam) Vaccariello, Sandra (Dave) Sacash, and Carmy (Monti) Patchin; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that amused and brought great joy to Orlando; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank the team at Hospice of the Western Reserve for their incredible care and love that they gave to Duke.
A private family service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Homes in Willoughby and Mentor.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.