Raymond F. Orlando

Raymond F. Orlando, age 81, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at his home in Walpole, Massachusetts. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 10, 1942, he was the son of the late Alfred J. and Doris M. (Will) Orlando.  Ray was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Walpole High School with the Class of 1960.

Ray began his career as a hairdresser in the late 1960s, taking courses at the Wilfred Academy in Boston.  He went on to open his own shop in Walpole, The Fox's Lair, which he operated until its sale in 1989.  Following the sale, Ray decided to venture out into the culinary field, moving to Martha's Vineyard and taking a position with the Navigator Restaurant, working as a chef.  He later took a position with the Boat House Bar on the Vineyard before returning home to Walpole.  Once back in town, Ray worked in various kitchens in the area, including The Nicholas Restaurant in Norwood, The Foundry in Walpole, and Tom's Tavern in Wrentham.

Throughout his life, Ray loved being outdoors.  He looked forward to cultivating his garden each year, using the skills he learned from his father.  As the growing season continued, Ray generously gave away his prize tomatoes to family and friends.  On any given day, Ray could be found hard at work at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole, ensuring the plantings around his family's plot were perfectly manicured or tending to the flower beds at the bases of the statues in the cemetery.  Ray's love for the outdoors did not end with his gardens.  Every Sunday was reserved for fishing with his family, enjoying the shores of Sandy Neck or Scussett Beach and casting his line into the water. 

Back at home, Ray enjoyed spending time with his many pets over the years and was a fifty-five-year member of the ASPCA.  He also enjoyed learning about nutrition and was always up to date on what vitamins to take.  Most of all, Ray was dedicated to his faith and family.  He was a fixture at the 4:00 PM Saturday Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church and relied on his faith to help his family with anything they might need.

Devoted son of the late Alfred J. and Doris M. (Will) Orlando.

Loving brother of Alfred J. Orlando, Jr. and his wife, Judy, of Walpole, David Orlando of North Attleborough, Kim Oram and her husband, Joe, of Mansfield, Beverly Orlando and her partner, Peter Urquhart, of Plainville, Catherine Orlando of California, the late Donna Robinson, the late Robert Orlando, the late Edward Orlando, and the late Deborah Barry.

Also survived by his many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ray's Life Celebration on Friday, October 20th, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, at 10:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray's name may be made to the ASPCA, by visiting https://www.aspca.org/ or Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.