GLOUCESTER: Sandra J. (Aiello) Orlando, 59, of Gloucester died Thursday evening at her residence following a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Alerio F. “Leo” Orlando.
Born in Gloucester on February 25, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Frances (Worthley) Aiello. She was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and a graduate of St. Ann’s High School class of 1966. She went on to receive her Associates Degree from North Shore Community College.
Sandy was a physical therapy assistant. She was first employed by Beverly Hospital for two years. For the past seventeen years, she has been employed by the V.N.A. of the North Shore, Inc. She had also taught aerobics at the former Gloria Stevens in the 1970’s and later at the Cape Ann Y.M.C.A. and the Gloucester Senior Center.
As a child and as adult she attended dance classes at Miss Tina’s. She was also a member of the St. Ann Marching Band that went to the Rose Bowl. She was also a self-taught musician, having played the flute, accordion and piano. These talents, along with her gregarious personality, led her to entertain with enthusiasm for family and friends. She and her friends enjoyed performing in Miss Tina’s talent shows and Gloucester Senior Center benefit shows. She could often be found accompanying her grandson, Jesse, on the guitar with her accordion.
In keeping with her active lifestyle, she continued to workout at the Zone, walking and rollerblading several times each week. She loved the beach and ocean and traveling to Florida each year.
Sandy had a passion for life and embraced each and every day. A devoted grandmother, her greatest joy came from being with her family, her dog, Mac, and her many friends. Her wonderful smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
In addition to her husband of forty years, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Steven Jerome, a son, Garrin T. Orlando, her very special grandchildren, Jesse Orlando Jerome and Abbey-Rose Jerome, two brothers, Lt. Joseph Aiello, husband of Deborah L. Aiello, Frank J. Aiello, Jr., husband of Donna C. Aiello, an uncle, Stanley, husband of Jeanette Worthley, her father-in-law, Carlo J. Orlando, a sister-in-law, Sarah, wife of John Frontiero, and a brother-in-law, John T. Orlando. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends, too numerous to name, who were by her side to the end. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her maternal grandmother, Nellie Worthley, who passed along her talent and love of music to Sandy.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 4 – 8 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday morning in the Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Please omit flowers. Interment will be held in the Beechbrook Cemetery, W. Gloucester.