Orlando Benjamin Titus of Titusville, FL, aka Landy or Spatsy, died Tuesday, August 29, 2006 of the complications of a long, happy and extremely healthy life. Orlando is survived by his daughter, Dr. Karen Titus; grandson, George Overmeyer; daughter, Linda Colombo; granddaughter, Natasha Sims; great-grandchildren, Justin Ross, Kaitlyn Ross, Lauryn Ross, Chase Daily, and Madisynn Daily; granddaughter, Amuroy Rutz; great-grandson, Lennard Rutz; daughter, Landis Smith; granddaughter, Skylar Titus Smith; great-grandson, Connor Smith; granddaughter, Jenny Smith; and his caring companion of 18 years, Jean Montgomery.

Orlando was born in Hillsdale, NJ to Marie Louise Von Ettfeld and Charles Walter Titus on May 21, 1916. As a young man, Orlando served in the 30s in the Civilian Conservation Corps and served in the United States Army in the 1940s in World War II. He worked the shipyards in New Jersey learning the trade of welder. As a member of Local Union 373 Steamfitters and Pipe Welders, Orlando became a craftsman in his trade, attain ing his certification in pipeline, powerhouse, refineries and heli-arc. He was also a proficient Tungsten Inert Gas Welder. He was an active Master Sergeant in the 50s in Civil Air Patrol in Pearl River, NY. He became a member of the Valiant Air Command, welding on the FM-1 Wildcat Project among others located at the museum. He was granted an honorary lifetime membership in the Moonport Modelers Radio Con trol Aircraft Club. Orlando has been a Mason for over 50 years, being a member of the Indian River Masonic Lodge #90 since moving to Titusville. Orlandos love was a welding, roller-skating and flying. Although testing the limits multiple times in his plane, he continued to fly and weld into his 80s. The family question has always been had he owned more welding machines or more airplanes in his lifetime. He was a friend to all, always offering a smile and a hearty wave. Landy was predeceased by his dedicated and loving wife of 50 years, Hazel V. Titus and their firstborn daughter, Corin. Services will be held at Gods Family Church at Sand Point Senior Living, 1800 Harrison St., Titusville, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2006. Memorial donations, if so desired, may be sent to Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. Arrangements by North Brevard Funeral Home in Titusville. Published in Florida Today on 9/5/2006.

Sources

1. 1940 United States Federal Census