Obituary: Maurice V. Orlando

Maurice V. Orlando, 91, of Longboat Key, died April 28.

Born March 12, 1923, in Stonington, Conn., Mr. Orlando graduated from Stonington High School, where he was an outstanding athlete. He served in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers during World War II and was stationed in the Philippines.

In 1966, Mr. Orlando founded and launched his own business, Ortronics, in Norwich, Conn. He utilized his engineering background to design, build and patent his own assembly line machinery that manufactured electrical coils and wire harnesses.

Through the 1970s, Ortronics developed new products in the assemblage of cables, cards and blocks for Regional Bell Operating Services. In the 1990s, the company expanded its product line into multimedia packages and became a globally recognized company with international operations on several continents.

After many successful and innovative years, the company was sold to Legrand, a French-based electronics conglomerate, in 1998.

Mr. Orlando was an avid golfer and played in several pro-am events, including his unforgettable round with Arnold Palmer in Augusta, Ga. He also enjoyed boating and fishing adventures with his friends in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Findeisen; and his son, Stephen.

Mr. Orlando is survived by his sister, Albina Logan; a stepdaughter, Margaret Pescatello; a stepson, Roland Otto; and five grandchildren.

A celebration of life service will be held later this year.

Donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.