Book of Memories for Lawrence T. Orsillo

Condolence From Linda Williamson

Thu, 28 Aug 2014 16:00:01 EDT

I wanted to leave my sincere sympathy, my thoughts and prayers for Larry and his family. Although I am on vacation, word got to me about his passing and I was very saddened by this news. He was such a gentle, kind man and we used to have some nice talks when there wasn't 10 people in front of me...when he got sick, I missed him terribly and was hoping he would come back to us which unfortunately, did not happen. I will miss him and his family, especially his son "Ozzie" who would always be there for his dad, no matter what he needed he would make sure he had it. The apple did not fall far from the tree! Rest in peace Larry, the world is a little emptier with you gone. :( Linda

Condolence From The Orsillo Family

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 17:44:29 EDT

We were very fortunate to have dad as long as we did. For all of us, we need to understand our elders never stop teaching us, you just need to be aware enough to see it. They will teach us from the time we are born to the time they pass away. Teachings come in many forms and sometimes unintentionally. Words, actions, lifestyle, relationships to God and others are things to learn from. Watch for these lessons, internalize them, and learn from them, for when our teachers are gone their lessons remain only in our memories. Dad was a great teacher. Dad was a true example of how to lead and live the perfect life. The rosary beads on his hands as he lay in the casket were given to him by two nuns when he was a young boy in Stoneham. Rosary beads as we know are a string of beads used to keep count of our prayers or to stay on track, each bead representing a prayer along the way. Throughout his life dad kept this rosary with him in his pocket at all times. He kept them neatly protected in a pouch only he could dream up and assemble. The beads came to be much more than a mechanical means of keeping track but rather a string of blessings. Each bead representing a blessing along the string that was his life. Larry always gave everything he had to the commitments he made. As a young boy, at home with his brothers and sisters, working the family greenhouse with their father all pitching in to help the family. In school on sports teams, or selling newspapers at the trolley stop in Stoneham square he played and worked hard to help the team win and help the family economic condition. Then the commitment he made to our country to serve in the US Navy during WWII. Dad spent three years on board ship where he was part of a lifelong brotherhood that only sailors and other military can understand. His shipmates would come to be part of our family. Dad, Mom and Lorraine loved attending ship reunions every year and at home we loved to see his shipmates and wives come to visit for a dinner or many days. They were always welcome and this was as normal as rain to us. Following the end of WWII Dad was fortunate enough to make it home alive and well to start a family with his true love Mary who he devoted his entire life to. With the help of family, Larry built the house he and Mary would raise their family. Our life at home was nothing unusual to us, church on Sunday’s at St Mary’s, followed by “coffee and” as mom always called it, for relatives and friends coming to visit. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends would all make their way to Mary and Larry’s to gather. Besides having fun with the cousins, Sunday was the only day of the week we got to have pastry. “Everything in moderation” dad used to say. Dad had a way of building lifelong bonds, something that added greatly to the quality of our life growing up. Starting with his brothers, sisters, in-laws and all the nieces and nephews. They were much more than uncles, aunts and cousins; they were all an extension of our little family. Each and every one of us contributing to the greater good that was our whole family. And the family parties,… oh my God the parties. Fourth of July with Aunt Jenny and Uncle Bill, Block Parties with Uncle Ding and Auntie Norma, Pool parties with Uncle Vinny and Aunt Anne, more pool parties with Auntie Lovey and Uncle Sam, Christmas with Uncle Joe and Auntie Eleanor and let’s not forget the No Reason parties or Christmas eve with Larry and Mary. Each of you look now around this church and see the smiles and grins filling this church with your own thoughts of those parties. All of our smiles are memories, memories surfacing; bringing form to the life we were given by Larry and our family. These are times that will be with us forever. We have been blessed by our elders. Dad took great pride in watching his grandchildren grow, each of them special in their own way, and each of his grandchildren holding their own special memory of Grandpa. As youngsters, he loved the constant activity on Sundays with the grandchildren, it was chaos, and as they grew his pride grew with them. His unconditional love for them and lessons taught will guide them forever. As for Dad’s career, the Atlantic Gelatin was dear to him as well. Not in as much as the job or duties but the friendships he had there. Larry and his colleagues worked great together but seeing it first hand, they also played great together. Golfing with the 19th Hole Club, Hunting, Working Out and the fun of being pals. A bond they carried into retirement. We should all be as fortunate to have a work environment like they had. Dad was a master of surrounding himself with wonderful people and including them in our life. Each of them adding to the quality of what we had. Regardless if you were immediate family, distant relative, good friend or new to his life, to know Larry was to love Larry. You knew him to his core as soon as you met him the very first time. You knew you were really special when he said to you “Of all the people I know, you’re one of them!”. Dad was the perfect father. We knew he was always there. It would always be mom and dad. That was our anchor. Lorraine was clearly his favorite of all of the kids and why shouldn’t she have been? Going back to the piece earlier on “lessons”.. Lorraine is one heck of a teacher too. We should all be so happy! Dad was a genuine man. Dad simply led a life true to himself. It was God, Country, Family and Friends all equally important to the whole of his life. He was 92. His life was full of love towards all he knew. His passing hurts but it was time for him to go. He will be remembered as the strong, handsome, genuine man with a great head of hair, always greeting you with a welcome smile and a strong hug. We will miss him sorely.

Memorial Candle lit by pat colella

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:18:46 EDT

pat colella

Condolence From Karen Mills

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:02:09 EDT

Im so sorry to hear of Larry, passing I loved to listen to Him sing and we had a lot of good laughs. When all the women were chasing after Him I never seen Him move so fast He will be greatly Missed by all. The pub will never be the same without Him Karen

Condolence From Tammy Antonucci

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 20:46:16 EDT

Would like to express my sincere sympathy to the entire Orsillo family. May all of the wonderful memories that you have bring some peace and comfort at this time of sadness.

Memorial Candle lit by Kelly Barry

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 16:05:58 EDT

Kelly Barry

Condolence From Anthony "Yank" Rotondo

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 15:17:12 EDT

May God rest his precious soul.. Sympathy to all.

Condolence From Judy "Roberto"

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 13:48:11 EDT

To My Cousins Lorraine, Larry, Paul, Tom, Jimmy and your families, Uncle Larry was such a special man. He loved his life and loved his family more than life itself. I will always remember him sitting is his chair at the kitchen table, watching over all of you with such a proud look. There is nowhere in the world he would rather be. He raised all of you to be the gentlemen that you all are, and Lorraine to be the happiest "kid" in the world. He and Auntie Mary had a family and a household that we all dream of. The love they passed on to all of you is so obvious in the way you all unwind when you get together. The Holidays were only one small example of the bond that you all share. The love around that kitchen table is what life is all about. No matter who knocked on the door, a plate was set and the party continued on. Everyone was welcome at the Orsillo's dinner table, and I cherish those Christmas Eves more than you know. He was such a kind, smart, simple, loving man who got as much joy out of his life that he put into it. I know how hard it is to lose your Dad, your friend. You have so many beautiful memories and stories that you will cherish forever. I hope your tears turn to smiles when you think of your Mom and Dad together again, watching over all of you as they always have. Rest in Peace Uncle Larry, you will be missed by all of us. Love, Judy

Memorial Candle lit by Norm Barry

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 19:18:55 EDT

Norm Barry

Condolence From Norm Barry

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 19:13:39 EDT

I have never met anyone quite like "Uncle" Larry. He was soft spoken yet firm and enjoyed what life had to offer. Even though life has its ups and downs he served our country with pride, and provided for his family. He cared deeply for his brothers and sisters, and always made sure they were a part of his life. He and his wonderful wife, Mary raised an exceptional family that always made me feel welcome, and a part of the family. His children are his legacy and quite a legacy it is. They will always keep your memory alive Larry and we will all miss you so much. Rest in peace.

Photo shared: Orsillo_Pic.PNG

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 17:14:51 EDT