Orlando V. Colecchi
Orlando V. "Bee"Colecchi was born on August 12, 1926, in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Morfeo Colecchi (1903-1961) and Assunta Barbara Parlett Colecchi (1908-1994). Colecchi also had two siblings, Ida Anunziata Colecchi Caporali (1925-1985) and Anthony "Johnny Murphy" Colecchi (1928-2005). He was known to the community as "Bee Murphy." He was in the Post-Korean War at 30 years of age, serving from 1956-1958 in the 9th Division Army Band. Colecchi also achieved the rank of Corporal. After his service, he was in partnership with his brother Anthony in Murphy's Music Store in Leechburg, also performing in the Johnny Murphy Orchestra. He organized the bands for the local Veteran's Day parades for years, and is seen holding a Baritone Saxophone in the photo below. Orlando Colecchi died on November 30, 2000 at the age of 74. He is currently buried in the Saint Gertrude Memorial Cemetery in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. More information can be found on the Find A Grave website or in the book "Honor In The Kiski Valley."
Orlando V. "Bee"Colecchi was born on August 12, 1926, in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Morfeo Colecchi (1903-1961) and Assunta Barbara Parlett Colecchi (1908-1994). Colecchi also had two siblings, Ida Anunziata Colecchi Caporali (1925-1985) and Anthony "Johnny Murphy" Colecchi (1928-2005). He was known to the community as "Bee Murphy." He was in the Post-Korean War at 30 years of age, serving from 1956-1958 in the 9th Division Army Band. Colecchi also achieved the rank of Corporal. After his service, he was in partnership with his brother Anthony in Murphy's Music Store in Leechburg, also performing in the Johnny Murphy Orchestra. He organized the bands for the local Veteran's Day parades for years, and is seen holding a Baritone Saxophone in the photo below. Orlando Colecchi died on November 30, 2000 at the age of 74. He is currently buried in the Saint Gertrude Memorial Cemetery in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. More information can be found on the Find A Grave website or in the book "Honor In The Kiski Valley."
