Mr. Orlando V. "Lindy" Brigano

Mr. Orlando V. “Lindy” Brigano, age 91, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his family in his heart. Born in Herkimer on September 26, 1924, Orlando was the son of the late Frank and Angelina (Pugliese) Brigano. He attended St. Francis DeSales and Utica Free Academy high schools. Born into a generation that sacrificed so much for so many, Lindy honorably served his country from 1943-1945 as a veteran of the United States Army during World War II. He was involved in the 5 major battles of the European Theater of Operations; Normandy Landing at Utah Beach, Northern France, Central Europe, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), and Rhineland. He assisted in the liberation of the concentration camp at Flossenburg, Germany and was awarded numerous decorations and citations for his courage while in battle. On May 23, 1949 he married the former Lucy Scarpino with whom he shared 66 years in a marriage of their era. Theirs was a loving, lifetime commitment and they will be remembered forever holding hands. Lindy worked as a tool and dye-maker at Drop Forge. He later ventured into business as the co-owner and operator of the Brigano Brothers Super Market on South Street. As manager of the Produce Department, he was personable and loyal to patrons. He had a deep pride in his work and strived for quality and consistency. Although his outgoing and friendly nature brought him happiness, the greatest source of his joy was his wife and three sons of whom he was so proud. Lindy once said that his vision of the American Dream would be that his children would have opportunities greater than his, and that he lived to see it. And he did. His sons were well educated, happily married, and blessed with children, which made him even prouder. Lindy especially loved the holidays as treasured times when all the family was together. Although he was a busy man, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, harness racing, and an occasional afternoon off from his duties at the store. After retirement, he found ways to remain active: he traveled with his wife overseas to far-away lands where he made many friends who have remained in contact over the years, and he volunteered at the St. Elizabeth Hospital Gift Store. He was a member of the Whitesboro American Legion and a parishioner of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Orlando knew his Lord and often sought his guidance throughout his life, always faithful to his Catholic beliefs. Orlando is survived by his wife, Lucy; his sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Nancy Brigano of CT, Anthony and Diane Brigano of OH, and Michael and Debbie Brigano of Utica; his grandchildren, Christopher Brigano, Alicia and Jesse Foster; Anthony and Lindsey Brigano, Michelle and David McMahan, Dominic and Rebekah Brigano, Camille Brigano; Michael O. Brigano, Danielle and Sam DiMartin, and Daniel Brigano; his great-grandchildren, Tucker, and Ansley McMahan; Angelina DiMartin, and the anticipation of a new great-grandchild. He will also be remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Flora Jean Scarpino. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony F. and Martha A. Brigano, and Joseph D. and Vita Brigano; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rose J. and Ralph A. Martelli, and Margaret A. and Samuel F. Cardamone; and his in-laws, Antonio and Mary (Lia) Scarpino, and Dr. Pasquale V. Scarpino; and his two nephews, and two nieces. The family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. William D. Ryan for his longtime personal care; Jessica Almond, his home health aide; the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. especially the Willow and Cedar units for their kindness and great concern. The final journey of Lindy’s life was cared for by the St. Elizabeth Medical Center ICU who did so with such finesse and dignity. A special note of thanks to Father Joe Salerno for his Anointment of the Sick which were important prayers for his family at that time. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:30-11:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Orlando’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 11:30 from the funeral home and at 12:30 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno with Military Honors conferred. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Lindy’s honor to the Auriesville Shrine, 136 Shrine Road, Amsterdam, NY 12010 (www.jesuitseast.org); envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Orlando V. "Lindy" Brigano

September 26, 1924 - January 16, 2016