Michael J. Orendi, Sr., 63, of Nescopeck Township passed away suddenly on July 27, 2017, at home.
Born in Pittsburgh on July 21, 1954, he was the son of the late Fredrick L. and Margaret M. (Rebel) Orendi, Sr. He enlisted in the US Army in 1972 and served honorably in the US Army for 20 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. Michael was a decorated Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran.
He attended Columbia College in Missouri where he received his bachelor of the arts degree. He was also a graduate of Jacksonville Theological Seminary where he received a bachelors and master’s degree in Theology. Michael was a licensed Southern Baptist Pastor and ordained Inter-Denominational Pastor, having served several parishes in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. Locally, he was The Senior Pastor for Fowlersville and Lime Ridge United Methodist Churches, and most recently the Senior Pastor for New Heart Christian Fellowship in Nescopeck. His passion was evangelism and discipleship.
Mike was a Licensed and Certified Human Behavior Trainer, gifted teacher, and Motivational Speaker. He was also a Certified Archery Instructor, and Certified High and Low Ropes Course Instructor. He was a member of the VFW Post 8227, Nescopeck, the Nescopeck Township Fire Company, and the Nescopeck Community Ambulance. He was the EMS Coordinator for Luzerne County, and involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed golfing, and hunting, and was an avid Steelers fan.
He loved spending time with his wife and best friend, Deborah (Ruvarac) Orendi, who he married in 1992. They would have celebrated their 25th anniversary next week.
In addition to his wife, Debbie, he will also be greatly missed by his children: Michael J. Orendi, Jr and wife Angela, Florida; Cheryl A. Orendi and boyfriend Mike Green, Pittsburgh; David Ruvarac and partner Chris Reay, Philadelphia; Christian Michael Orendi, Philadelphia; and 7 grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings: Fred Orendi, Jr and wife Joyce, Pittsburgh; Peggy Kody and husband Greg, Florida; Ed Orendi and fiancé Lois, Pittsburgh; David Orendi and wife Lori, Pittsburgh; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday August 3, 2017 at Heller Funeral Home, LLC, 633 East Third Street, Nescopeck. Interment with military honors will follow in Elan Memorial Park. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to VFW Post 8227, 435 West 3rd Street, Nescopeck, PA 18635.
Online messages of comfort may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.