Orlando (Orli) Cilani

Orlando (Orli) Cilani passed away on April 27, 2014. He was born on March 18, 1930 in Solvay, NY. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Filomena (Phyllis) Cilani, the love of his life; two brothers, Joseph of Solvay, NY, and Salvadore of Phoenix, Ariz., all three brothers were born on the same day three years apart; one sister, Margaret Wells of Solvay, NY.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Angelina Cilani; sister Elizabeth Maistri; half-brothers, Custanza Cilani, Anthony Gillani, Dominick Celletti, and half-sister Mary Vona, all of Solvay, NY.

Orlando served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in the Mediterranean on the Destroyer USS Goodrich. Orlando retired from American Airlines after 35 years of dedicated service of which seven years were with Sky Chefs, the catering subsidiary of American.

During his tenure with American Airlines, he served in Syracuse, NY; Chicago, Ill.; Los Angeles, and San Diego, Calif., in various management positions.

Following retirement, Orli was enlisted by American Airlines to be manager of special services at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field where for 10 years Orli made every passenger he came in contact with feel like very important customers. In this position, he made many friends and gained American Airlines many loyal customers.

He will always be remembered for his giving spirit.

Interment will be at Miramar National Cemetery with graveside honors services on June 13 at 11:30 a.m. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.