Joseph Angelo Orsini

Joseph Angelo Orsini, 77, of Ruckersville, VA passed away on December 21, 2019 at RoseWood Village Assisted Living. He was born on October 18, 1942 in Olean, New York, to the late Joseph and Mary Orsini.

Joe grew up in Olean, and graduated from St. Bonaventure University in New York in 1964. He then joined the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. After deciding to make the Air Force a career, he retired in 1991, after honorably serving for 27 years and attaining the rank of Colonel. During his military service, Joe earned two Masters Degrees in mathematics and quantitative analysis. Joe and his family were stationed all across the U.S. and overseas, meeting wonderful people and making fond memories in each place that they lived. Joe and his family eventually settled in the Northern Virginia area.

After his military service, Joe was called to teach 8th grade math in the urban core of Alexandria, Virginia. After teaching, he decided to offer math tutoring to high school students in his home. Many students benefited from Joe's patience, clear instruction, and consistent encouragement to do their best in math.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 48 years, Karen. Joe is survived by his children, Diane E. Bigler (Justin), and Michael S. Orsini (Kristina), his two precious grandsons, Dominic J. Hiner and Ryan K. Orsini, and a brother, Richard L. of Jacksonville, FL.

Joe was known by many in his military career and personal life as a man of deep faith, compassion and steadfastness. He was greatly admired by his family.

A public memorial service will be held 12:00 P.M. Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament, 154 N. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802, with Father Kyle O’Connor officiating. A private family interment will follow at Dayton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) and/or Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org).

An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com

Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is in charge of arrangements.