Orlandi Family StoriesOrlandi Family Stories
Luigi Carlo Orlandi
From His Family
Teresina, Luigi and Rena.
Luigi was born in Smithton, Pennsylvania on August 6, 1912. The fourth of seven children to Vigilio Orlandi and Maria Gionghi. The children’s names were: Carlo Salvino (October 10, 1906-October 31, 1906); Teresina (April 2, 1909-January 2, 1999); Rena (1910-1914); Luigi (August 6, 1912-July 7, 2000); Rena (1915-1918); Ida Rose (October 21, 1917-March 11, 1964); and Mario (March 2, 1919- November 7, 1987).
"Rooftop serenade" Hells Kitchen, NY, 1932.
When he was seven years old (1919), he went to Italy (San Lorenzo)
where he became a sheepherder. He spent the full day
taking the sheep to the high meadows, which took four
hours to walk up and four hours down. He carved his
name in stone hundreds of times throughout these trips to
the high meadows of San Lorenzo. Luigi came back to the
United States with his father in the spring of 1927 and
worked with his Father in the mines. He lived at the
Gilberti boarding house where he met Clara Gilberti (who
would later become his wife). In the spring of 1928, Pop
and his father moved to Fort Lee, N.J. and lived with his
sister Teresina and her new husband, Quirino in a rented
house. His mother died in 1930 and after her death Luigi’s
younger sister, Rose and younger brother Mario joined
them here in the U.S. On September 22, 1935 Pop married Clara Gilberti
and moved to Astoria with his brother Mario and sister
Rose. 1937 was a good year for them. Their first child
Marie was born on 2/10/37 and later
that year they bought a house in
Woodside. On January 25, 1939
Richard was born followed by
James on January 15, 1943, then
surprise, Elaine came on July
30.1950. His first job in the restaurant business was as a bus boy in 1928 in
Coysville NJ for 1 year. He then worked in Long Beach, NY at the Lafayette
Hotel. It was there that he met Alfred Ceventoni who helped him get work for the
next three years. He was a true friend and a great influence on Pop’s decision to
remain in the restaurant business. After working together for a few years, Alfred
got Pop a job at the Hotel St. Mortitz on Central Park South. There he met a life
long friend and mentor in Costa Castella. Pop worked the nightclub circuit for
many years. He worked at the Versaille nightclub, and the 21 club until 1943.
He was deferred from the Army because he had three children. He went to work
at the Brooklyn Navy yard for the defense department. He became a ship’s
carpenter until the end of the war. He went to work at the EL MORROCCO nightclub in 1945 and was there
for 15 years. Pop started working at the San Marino restaurant with his brother,
Mario. He worked at Louise Juniors. In 1976, when he opened “IL RIGOLETTO”
restaurant with his brother, Mario, Mario’s son-in-law, John Bucceri and his son
Jimmy. He retired from the business at the ripe old age of 72. The restaurant
was sold in 1985. After his retirement from the restaurant business, Pop wanted to tend his
gardens, make things with his hands and live out the rest of his years with his
wife, Clara. Unfortunately, Clara died in 1990 and he did not get to fulfill his
dream of growing old with his beloved wife. They were married 55 years when
she died. They knew each other since Mom was 13 years
old. Imagine, a whole lifetime. Pop then dedicated his
remaining years to his family that he loved so much. He
saw his great grandchildren born and sat them on his lap
as he bounced them. He saw his older grandchildren grow
and become, fine young adults. He was always very
proud of his family. He taught all of
us that family was very important and
that you should nurture it and let it
grow into a beautiful flower. He was
a very understanding and generous
man, especially with his time. If you
needed him for anything he would
always be there. If you did not know
how to build something or to tackle a job, he would show
you. He taught us all to be loving, compassionate,
understanding and most of all love your family.
Jim and Nancy Orlandi MEMORIES OF LUIGI ORLANDI FROM HIS FAMILY Richard Orlandi (son) Dad was an unpretentious, hardworking, religious man whose life revolved around
our family. When
I reflect the past there are many great memories of good times
we had. I am sure dad is happy with the Lord, my mom and sister and the rest of
our family. It is because of the man and father he was that I miss him deeply. Jim Orlandi (son) Pop had a wonderful and infectious smile. You could not help but feel the warmth
he emanated. He was a kind and generous man whose family was always
number one in his heart. He is truly missed. Elaine Orlandi Catenaccio (daughter) My father was always there when I needed him, no matter what the problem, I
could always depend on his support and understanding. He was a very
independent and lovable man, and the backbone of our family. I miss him very
much. Dean Drasser (son of Marie Orlandi Drasser) The first things that come to mind about my grandfather were his willingness to
tackle any type of job. Whether it was fixing a pipe in his house, cementing a
patio, building a wing in his country house, he managed to get the job done well. Laurinda Orlandi Handlik (daughter of Richard Orlandi) One of my fondest memories of my grandfather was our traditional Christmas Eve
gatherings at my grandparent’s house. He would always be cooking with my
grandmother, wearing his apron while enjoying his wine. At some point in the
evening we would get to enjoy his accordion playing. By the end of the evening,
he would sit down in his favorite chair and snore himself to sleep, which is a
tradition that continues on today through his son, my father, Richard. I could
never see or hear an accordion again without having overwhelming memories of
my grandfather and all the family events where he played his accordion. His love
for cooking is also a fond memory. Polenta is one of his best dishes. Today I
carry on the tradition of making his great Tortellini en Brodo and his French style
string beans among other dishes. He was a strong believer in family. Whenever
work had to be done at one of his children’s’ houses he would always be there
and work hard all day whether it was mixing concrete to lay a patio or building a
shed. This is when I learned the meaning of an Italian vacation was. Sometimes
on a Sunday my other grandparents would pick up my grandfather, and drive out
to my parents house where we would all play Bocce ball. Both of my grandfathers
would team up together or sometimes-even play against each other, either way
we all had fun and made sweet memories that I will always treasure. Lynn-Marie Williams (daughter of Marie Orlandi Drasser) The best thing I remember about him was how much a family man he was. He
adored his family and really loved children. His face would light up when one of
his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren would walk into a room. My
Grandpa will always be missed and will always be in my heart for being such a
great person. Some of the things I remember about my grandpa was his
strength, his cooking and his love for his garden. He was always busy. Janice Catenaccio Rosario (daughter of Elaine Catenaccio) In my wallet I carry a blessed picture holder that was given to me by my
grandfather. He told me to keep it near me always because it would protect me.
Since that day, I have always kept it close to me with a photo of my grandparents
inside it. It means the world to me and I look forward to passing it down to my
daughter, Samantha. My only regret is that she will never know her great
grandparents but I see their spirits in her each day. I miss them dearly and I carry
them with me always. David Louis Orlandi (son of Jim Orlandi) One day not long after I got my car I drove it through Grandpa’s Garage door. I
was a bit nervous, to say the least, because I thought Grandpa would be
disappointed in me. When Grandpa came running outside I went up to him and I
was apologizing and telling him how I would take care of it, but he didn’t care
about that at all. He was more worried about me and if I was hurt in anyway.
After I told him I was fine a dozen times he asked my Aunt Elaine if this was
covered by his insurance. She said yes, and he responded “well I needed a new
garage door anyway” and proceeded to thank me for hitting his door. This is just
one of the many stories that shows Grandpa’s love for his family and his positive
on life. He never once looked at this situation as an inconvenience to him. Matthew Orlandi (son of Jim Orlandi) I remember when I was younger, Grandpa would sit on his porch and watch us
play ball in the street in front of his house. After a hard game he always had
cookies for his grandchildren. When I was older, he enjoyed helping me with my
Italian homework. I was very proud of him. Thomas “Big Boy” Catenaccio (son of Elaine Catenaccio) My Grandfather is and always will be an inspiration in
my life. In 1990, he asked me if I would like to learn
how to play the accordion. Of course I said yes! As it
was a tradition for him. He loved his garden, every
spring we would plant vegetables and take care of
them. Even in his last days, he would get out of bed
and go to his window and ask, ”When are we going to
work in the garden“. He made a song for his wife
Clara. He was always trying to teach me how to play.
I always tried but I could never catch on. The day of
his funeral, I brought his accordion and sat down in
front of him played one last song “together”: It was the
“CLARA’S THEME”, the song I never knew all the parts to. Would you believe
that “he” helped me play the whole song? I was amazed and filled with happiness
that he helped me one last time! I miss him so much. I miss waking up in the
morning hearing pounding on my door, screaming at me to wake up and practice!
He will always be missed, loved and remembered forever…
Marie Orlandi Drasser We as a family wanted to say something about our sister,
Marie. She was a very giving person; she loved her parents
very much. As a young girl, Pop encouraged her to play the
accordion. He bought her a Black shiny accordion. She was
very proud when she played with Pop, he loved to play the
accordion with his daughter Marie. We all have such fond memories of those
good old days.
Luigi, in Italy with pals,
1925.
Marie, Richard, Jim,
Luigi and Clara, 1943.
Wedding Bells 1935
Mom and Pop’s 50th
wedding anniversary,
1985.
Mom and Pop, Astoria,
NY, 1936.
Marie, Richard, Jim,
Elaine and Pop, 1951.
The lessons begin;, Pop
and Thomas, 1991.
Chip off the old
block. Marie, 1948
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