John A. Orlandini

Captain John A. Orlandini 80, of Naples, FL found eternal peace on June 21, 2016. He was born February 11, 1936 in Milwaukee, WI the only child of the late Louis and Eleanor (neé Krolikowski) Orlandini. After graduating from Marquette University he attended Navy aviation training where he suffered a freak, life-changing injury. After long-term rehabilitation and despite his permanent physical deficits, he attended law school for one year, ultimately embarking on a successful career as a realtor which included ownership in Woodland Realty in Elm Grove, WI. He was a former Realtor of the Year, president of the Waukesha County Board of Realtors “BOR”), five-year member of the BOR ethics and arbitration panel and a director for the Milwaukee BOR multiple listing service. Upon selling Woodland Realty and relocating to Florida in 1980, he became a US Coast Guard Gulf Charter Captain and licensed Merchant Marine Officer. He often retold stories of his adventures on the Gulf of Mexico and of his prowess for guiding untold numbers of bountiful fishing charters and his happy charter customers. How he loved and respected the water! He told his closest friends his life would be full if he were to live to be 65 years old. His lifelong faith and self-discipline led him to live independently longer than many thought possible, far surpassing his “full-life” target. John was a very kind and generous man. He cared more about giving than receiving. His greatest joy was giving his parents a lifestyle well above their means “to seal the deal.” He was a man of great catholic faith and was granted two major miracles and strength to travel a successful journey. He will leave a substantial endowment to the Marquette University physical therapy doctoral program with the hope that these students will provide hands-on to patients in need, especially those with spinal cord injuries. Special thanks to his friends Andrew and Debbie Borowski and family, Barbara Edson and Bill and Mary Patten for helping John survive his many challenges of later life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday June 30, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow the Mass in the Memorial Garden at St. John. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home.

John A. Orlandini

February 11, 1936 - June 21, 2016