Michael A. Orfitelli

1946 - 04

Dr. Michael A. Orfitelli, 63, a resident of Davenport, Iowa, died unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Michael Anthony Orfitelli was born April 22, 1946, in Braddock, the son of Michael A. and Carmela R. (Catania) Orfitelli. Mike was united in marriage to Barbara Goricki on Aug. 26, 1967, in Rankin. Dr. Orfitelli achieved many degrees over the years, including his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education at Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan., and his Doctorate of Education at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Mike currently served as professor and chair of the Department of Kinesiology, College of Education and Health Sciences at St. Ambrose University, where he had been actively serving for more than 32 years. His greatest achievements included being responsible for starting the NYSP program at the university for which he received the prestigious Silvia O. Conte Award. He went on to become an NYSP evaluator at the national level. He was also a very active volunteer and had been past president of the IAHPERD and the Davenport Breakfast Lions, to name a few. He was the first women's soccer coach, after starting the program, and was currently the St. Ambrose University head women's golf coach. Mike was inducted into the St. Ambrose University Athletic Hall of Fame and was a board member on the Davenport Park Board. Mike was very proud of and loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with them whenever possible and was especially excited and proud of his granddaughter, Mia. He also enjoyed morning coffee with his "buddies," walking through Scott County Park, traveling and watching TV. He was a people-person and thoroughly enjoyed his family, friends, and meeting new people. He was always eager, willing and ready to help anyone in need, especially his students at St. Ambrose and his family. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Barbara, and their children; two daughters, Christa Orfitelli, of Davenport, and Amanda Orfitelli, of Raleigh, N.C., his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Orfitelli, of Davenport, and his granddaughter, Mia; two sisters, Marlene Rossi, of North Versailles, and Madeline Orfitelli, of Rankin; a brother, Domenic Orfitelli, of Rankin; his two brothers-in-law, John (Julia) Goricki, of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Nick "Buddy" Rossi, of Swissvale; as well as his beloved dog, Sam, who was a trained therapy dog that Mike would take to nursing homes; they enjoyed hunting together and walking through the park. His parents preceded him in death. A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Madonna del Castello Roman Catholic Church. Placed by the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME, 7441 Washington Ave., Swissvale, 4l2-271-0345. The Nied Funeral Home is a proud member of the Good Grief Center, Pittsburgh. www.niedfuneralhome.com.