William J. Orsello
William Joseph Orsello came into this world on the thirteenth of October, 1923 and went to heaven, surrounded by loved ones, on October 5th, 2014. He made a tremendous mark on this world and will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family, business successes, and contributions to the Helena community.
He was born in the old St. Johns Hospital and spent the next 2 1/2 years in the infant’s orphan home,St. Anne’s. He was adopted by an Italian couple, Frank and Maria Orsello, and spent his youth in East Helena. He was a 1943 Helena High graduate where he found his love of music and singing.
Following high school, his country called and he enlisted in the US Coast Guard to serve in WWII on a Troop ship and a Submarine Patrol Boat in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. His back was broken during an explosion on his ship, and upon recovery, returned to duty stateside He was honorably discharged in 1945.
Returning to Helena, he began a career in law enforcement and he was selected as Undersheriff in the Sheriff’s department where he served from ’47-’50. He later served in the Helena Police Department from ’50-’59. While in law enforcement, he was appointed as the first juvenile officer in a newly-created post and received considerable recognition for his work with juveniles. He broke ground again in 1955 when he was appointed as the first District Parole and Probation Supervisor for the Montana Board of Prisons.
Also during this time, Helen Burtch captured his attention and became the love of his life! A true romantic; their first date was to transport a prisoner from Butte to Helena complete with a flat tire along the way. Fortunately, there was a second date and his charm won out. They married on October 10, 1950. Over the next nine years, they added five children and created the large family he had always desired.
Finding long work hours and constant travel were keeping him away from his young family, he turned to self-employment. Over the next sixteen years, he built a highly successful beer distributorship named Mt. Helena Distribution. In 1977, he sold his business and moved to the Helena Valley where he built and ran the Central Valley Grocery until retirement in 1984.
A born leader, Bill served in many civic and service organizations over his lifetime and usually ended up as Chairman or President. He became well-known in the community and made many friends during his service and participation with organizations such as Toastmasters, Kiwanis, Young Democrats, and SCORE to name just a few. He also served as Assistant Sargeant at Arms in the State Legislature and was a founding member of the Prickly Pear Sportsmen Association. Several accomplishments that stand out include his early work with the March of Dimes, where in 1954 he was named city chairman and worked with local youth to organize the first “Teens Against Polio” in Montana. He and his volunteers had the highest per capita donations in the nation. He was a long-time member of the Last Chance Kiwanis and the popular Kiwanis Steak sandwich was his fund-raising idea and continues to be a popular seller for them at the annual Last Chance Stampede and Fair. In retirement, he positively impacted many aspiring and struggling small business owners in the Helena are through his mentoring and counseling as a volunteer with SCORE.
As an accomplished singer and skilled violinist, he was awarded a full scholarship to Juilliard after graduation; however, wartime service took precedence. In addition to performing in high school plays and operas, he sang in the Cathedral choir, Philharmonic Choir, Bell Telephone Choir, and performed as both a vocalist and violinist with the Senior Singers. During his earlier years, he was a sought after singer for weddings and did double-duty at funerals by singing and then driving the hearse to the cemetery!
He took great pride in his work and civic accomplishments, but cherished his role as husband, father, brother, grandfather, and recently great-grandfather. His life became complete when he discovered his birth mother and, while in his early 60s, finally met his biological siblings and enjoyed almost 30 years of their companionship.
With his great love of the outdoors and visiting new places, he spent much of his retirement years gathering with his family and visiting children across the country. He and his wife, Helen, also enjoyed their cabin and many outings with the Good Sams.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Kathy Orsello; Linda Mucci(Joe); Tricia McCreary, and sons, Bill Orsello (Jan) and Robert Orsello (Teresa). His grandchildren, Robert Tobin (Lea); Nathan Tobin (Jennifer); Sam Orsello; Anthony Orsello (Sheryl); Stephanie Orsello; Nico and Katie Mucci, and great grandchildren, Jack and Molly Tobin. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Lou Lowenstern (Hugo); Katy Roundtree; Patty Bowles, and brother Tom Parr (Sharon) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Frank and Maria Orsello; beloved Uncle, Frank Colantonio; birth mother, Sarah Louise Parr; Father and Mother-in-Law, Mabel and Gilbert Burtch; sisters, Shirle Johnson and Shirley Thompson; brother-in-law, Roger Roundtree; and son-in-law, Price McCreary.
He was beloved by many and will be greatly missed. A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at Rocky Mountain, St. Peter’s Hospice, and his in-home team led by Beth Sirr for their incredible care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that our serviceman be honored through memorials or donations to Veteran’s organizations such as the DAV or Fort Harrison Veteran’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, October 13th, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 14th at the funeral home with a reception to follow in the social center of the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Memorials in Bill’s name are suggested to the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, P.O. Box 5715 Helena, Montana 59604 or to a veteran’s organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 13, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday October 13, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the funeral service
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Approximately 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday October 14, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Harvey DeMars says
Dear Helen & Family,
I have so many wonderful memories of Bill. When I was in ” Louies ” your family lived in the
area, Bill delivered beer to the store. Playing poker with him and going out to breakfasts
with the guys are just a few good memories. We are south for the winter so will sadly miss
Bill’s service. Our prayers are with you and the family.
George and Jackie Lloyd says
Dear Helen and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bill, we go way back in years, him selling beer and us camping together, we do miss them day but lots of memories. We are south for the winter so will miss the services.
Jim and Sue Sampson says
Dear Helen and Family,
You have our heartfelt sympathy , Bill as you know was a mentor and role model for me. He gave me a job at the beer warehouse which afforded me the opportunity to attend and ultimately graduate from Carroll College. It never felt like work because he appreciated my efforts and made it fun just to be part of his team. I will forever remember the twinkle in his eye, a big smile, and his genuine charm. I pray that your memories will also help you through the days ahead.
Jerry and Velma Johnson says
In 1964, I was hired by General Brewing Co. (Lucky Lager), to represent them in Montana. I (Jerry) called on some 17 distributors including Bill in Helena. Bill was always one of my favorites to visit because of his beaming outlook on life and his love for his family. Bill was a big man with a big heart!
Jerry and Velma Johnson
Maggie (Farmer) McCartney says
Dear Helen and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was always one of my favorite people, as well as you, Helen. He was a larger then life person who will leave a large void in his passing. That void will be filled from many wonderful memories. I only lived in the same neighborhood for a short while, but the memories and friendship moved on. I was so excited when you built the store by Leisure Village and were neighbors with mom and dad once more! I was always so happy to see you two at the VA, you both had hugs and made me feel you were happy to see me too. Bill was such a kind and gentle person who will be so greatly missed. My heart and prayers are with you at this very sad time. I imagine Bill is up in heaven singing with the angels!
Brenda Roberts says
Dear Orsello family,
I had the pleasure of meeting you father several years ago during a visit with Tricia.
His presence filled a room with great love. He embraced both of my girls like family. It still makes me smile when I think about him sharing how to teach kids to walk with a coat hanger.
I am grateful to have met him. May your hearts be filled with warm memories during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
John Link says
D ear Orsello Family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss . Bill was a great person and I had a very high degree of respect for him. He had such a positive outlook on life and was a valuable source of information and guidance for me personally. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Link
Beaverton, Oregon
Linda Orsello-Mucci says
Love and miss you Dad!
Tim Clavin says
Dear Kathy and family,
Your father was a very nice man. I only met him a few times over the years but he always left such a warm feeling. Please take comfort in knowing his was a life well lived. The best of wishes always.
Tim Clavin
Bremerton, WA
Loretta Hodous says
RIP Bill, My son (now 50) and I were talking about you and how you always took time to talk to him and I when we stopped at your store in the valley. You were truly a businessman and friend. Prayers to your family.
Diana Nelson says
Kathy;
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Diana
Sister Mary Rachel Flynn says
Dear Helen and family,
My memory of Bill is so pleasant. Remember our breakfast conversation after the funeral of my brother, Joe? How I wish we had known one another years earlier! My sisters and brother, Jim, often thought of you. Lost contact when Bill’s health was failing.
Although we are far apart geographically, know that I pray in gratitude for Bill’s life and for all of your family. The crossing of our paths was a Grace.
Sister Mary Rachel
Patrick Tobin says
So many memories of a kind and thoughtful man. Condolences to Helen and the family.
Chick Rolling says
We, Helena chapter members, knew Bill from SCORE. A member since the mid-80s, Bill set the stage for those of us who followed–member, chapter chair, district director, he did it all. Bill was an EMERITUS member in the later years, but remained a loyal, influential part of our group. Bill joined us just a short 2 years ago as we celebrated the chapter’s 40th anniversary and was recognized for having been with us for 1/2 of that time. A great member, a good friend and just a really nice guy–we miss you already.
Chick for all chapter members
Bill Miles says
Bill and I went to grade school in East Helena in the 1930’s. There he was known as “Willie”.
He was admired by all. And his life was dedicated to helping others. His Charity work was outstanding.
Many people will miss him ! BILL MILES.