Marianne Orlando usually has no problem finding the right words, but when it came to write the eulogy for her husband, war hero and beloved community member Dusty Orlando, she admitted it was hard to find the right words. Perhaps it was because words really weren't needed to describe the life of Dusty Orlando because all that was needed could be found in her heart.

Dusty Orlando succumbed to cancer at the age of 85 on April 13, 2006. He was an active member and past commander of the American Legion Cathedral Post #1087 pf West Hempstead.

Orlando will be remembered as a war hero who dedicated himself to his family, friends and the affairs of his fellow veterans whom he continually paid tribute to.

Orlando was a member of the 60th Engineering Battalion, 35th Infantry Division. He served under enemy fire as a Staff Sergeant in the European Theatre of Operations, including Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Central Europe and the Rhineland is five major campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal for valor.

Orlando received his Bachelor of Science degree at NYU. He was a member of the Brooklyn Engineers Club and served on their board of directors. Orlando became an industrial engineer and was in charge of production management with Steinway and Sons in Astoria.

His community activities included coaching Little League in West Hempstead, serving as Cub Master for Cub Pack 183 and, of course, being involved in the American Legion Cathedral Post #1087.

After joining the post, Orlando became active right away and moved up through the chairs, becoming Post Commander in 1966. He was active in various programs, particularly with rehabilitation and children and youth. He was re-elected as commander in 1991 and served as treasurer for many years. He was a member of the post for 46 years and was awarded life membership.

His fellow members will miss him playing the piano for the hospitalized veterans whom he visited whenever he could. As the members of the post mourn his passing and pay homage to him, there is a sense that something is missing from the post. "He was an invaluable member. It was like cutting off your right arm," said past commander Frank Celenza who conducted legion services. "He was about as well loved as anyone could possibly be."

Marianne Orlando met her husband after the war at a gathering at her house. The couple married and after living in Astoria for a short time, they moved to West Hempstead. Mr. and Mrs. Orlando were married for over 55 years, celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary in December.

Mrs. Orlando recalls her husband's smile and the way he was always ready to help someone. "The women loved him. I was lucky enough to get him," she said.

Proof of the way people felt about Orlando could be found in the numerous mass cards and letters Mrs. Orlando received and the visits from the nurses and doctors who even attended the wake. "He was loved so much. He was a very special man," she said. "There will never be another one like him."

Those who knew Orlando will miss him but they know he'll be kept alive with special memories of the warmth he shared with his loved ones. Said Marianne Orlando, "He'll never be gone because everyone keeps him in their hearts. He'll always be alive because there's so much love."

Dusty Orlando is survived by his wife Marianne, children Steven, Bill, Donald and Kathy and six grandchildren.