Obituary of Charles Orlando

Charles Orlando, 81, Belmont, N.Y., died Jan. 23, 2014, at Jones Memorial Hospital of a massive stroke.Born in Queens, N.Y., he graduated from Dewitt Clinton High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955.He was married in 1961 at the Little Church Around The Corner in NYC to Betsy Chubbuck who survives him as do his daughters Julie Bliss of Gloucester, Mass., Alison Haigis of Tolland, Conn., and Jessica Orlando of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; grandchildren, Jackson and Nina Haigis; as well as his sister, Gloria Lundberg of Belmont.He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1961, then received a Masters Degree in 1968 as well as a PhD in 1971.His teaching career began with a 4th grade class in Hampton, Conn., then after graduate school, he taught at Penn State from 1970-1972. In 1972, he took a position with BOCES to run the new Learning Diagnostic Center and to teach part time at Alfred University. He was the Director of the Special Education Department for Allegany County and continued as Assistant Director after Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties merged their BOCES systems.He served on the Town Board of Amity for two terms, was the Tax Assessor for five years and was Chair of the Board of Assessment Review for 21 years.He served on the Alfred State College Council for 16 years and was also appointed to the Educational Foundation of Alfred State College Wellsville Campus.After retiring from BOCES, he had a horseshoeing business for many years and has continued business as an artist blacksmith. His handiwork can be seen throughout the area with the handicapped ramp at the David A. Howe Library and the stair rail at the entrance to the Belmont Library being a couple of examples.His great love was in teaching and he believed in "learning while doing." He taught many workshops in iron work locally and across the country and various classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C., from 1986 to the present.According to his wishes, there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.The family suggests donations may be made to the Amity Rescue Squad, the Belmont Library or to a charity of their choosing.