OREFICE. William R. William R. Orefice, 94, of, Glastonbury passed away on Thursday, (December 4, 2008) at Hartford Hospital. He was born October 1, 1914, in Newark, NY, a son of six children, to the late Pasquale and Blanche (Briggs) Orefice. He married Katherine (Dolan), in July of 1942 after graduating from OCS at Fort Benning, GA, before leaving to go overseas. He served in the U.S. Army for three years and eight months, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain, for which he was forever proud. Wounded in action, he returned to Ft Devens, MA, where he recuperated with Kay by his side for nearly one year. Returning to Brooklyn, he later held several civil service positions within the U.S. Postal Service and the Finance Administration of the City of New York, while also contributing many volunteer hours as a long time member, and Commander of the Brooklyn American Legion Post. Although William did not complete high school, he had a keen intellect and an inquisitive mind, always proud of his inventions and his ability to do the NY Times crossword puzzle in ink, seven days a week! He enjoyed fishing and camping with his family, travelling, especially to Puerto Rico and socializing with friends and neighbors. Moving to Glastonbury with Kay in 1993, he grew to love Connecticut but always kept his "New York state of mind"... He loved playing cards and the companionship of his many special friends at the Glastonbury Senior Center. His family would like to express their fondest appreciation for the endless TLC rendered by the staff at Buckingham Estates Memory Care Center. Known there by his smile and sense of humor and his "Life Is Good" baseball cap, all who knew him would agree he is probably now wearing a hat that reads "Life Was Good". He is survived by his two daughters, Pauline M. deLaar, and her husband Robert of Statesboro, GA and Geralyn Laut, of Glastonbury: his three grandchildren, Mark deLaar and his wife Nasreen of Norwell, MA, Rebecca and Erica Laut, both of Glastonbury. He also leaves two great grandchildren Grace and Logan, deLaar, both from Norwell, MA; a sister Marilyn McLaughlin, and her husband Vincent of Massapequa, NY; and his long time "friend, Jefe". Committal services will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in William's honor may Adopt A Smoker, with funds supporting the purchase of nicotine replacement therapy, for individuals striving to quit smoking. Checks may be payable to GLAD (To Be Tobacco Free), and mailed to GLAD, The Glastonbury Alcohol and Drug Council, PO Box 1167, Glastonbury, CT 06033. Glastonbury Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 10, 2008.