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Carl F.
Orsini
Aug 4, 1937 — Jan 17, 2026
Ortonville
Carl F. Orsini, age 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Carl was born on August 4, 1937, in New York, New York, to Frank and Frances (Benanti) Orsini. He was deeply proud of his heritage and carried his family values with him throughout his life.
On April 15, 1961, Carl married the love of his life, Dolores Caporrino. Together they built a strong and devoted partnership until her passing on June 30, 2025. Their sixty-four year marriage was a testament to love, commitment, and family.
Carl was a devoted father whose unwavering dedication shaped his children's lives. He worked tirelessly to ensure they had a generous and fulfilling upbringing, yet he never missed a moment that mattered. Whether it was sitting proudly in the stands at sporting events, coaching baseball, leading scout troops, or his children's other activities and accomplishments, Carl was always there—steadfast, encouraging, and fully present. His support continued throughout his children's lives, a constant source of strength and love.
As a grandfather, he shared that same joy and commitment. His older grandchildren will forever treasure their sleepovers, field trips, giant pancake breakfasts, movie nights, and his beloved "Ancestor School," where he passed down stories, knowledge, and laughter.
Carl built a distinguished career as an engineer in the aerospace and automotive industries contributing his talents to companies such as Grumman, Ford and Chrysler. He was a recognized expert in transmission manufacturing feasibility. At Grumman Aerospace he played significant roles in the design of the F‑14 Tomcat fighter, the A-6 Intruder, the E-2 Hawkeye, as well as the Lunar Module used in the first Apollo moon landing and the Space Shuttle. He was also quite proud of the Grumman canoe which we paddled hundreds of miles on Michigan rivers. He always aligned himself with trailblazing projects, exemplified by the advanced technology fighter jets, space vehicles and Ford's first front wheel drive transmission. A visionary and hard worker, he was respected for his intelligence, dedication, and integrity. He was a lifelong learner and educator at heart, with a curious nature and a deep love for reading, especially history and outer space, subjects he was passionate about. His National Geographic collection spanned decades.
A loving and wonderful provider, Carl sacrificed selflessly for his family and was known for his generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support. He was family-oriented and truly enjoyed life, embracing each day with enthusiasm and purpose.
Carl loved golf, hunting, traveling, the outdoors, cooking, and gathering with others. A natural storyteller, he loved a crowd, a good party, and making people laugh. His humor, warmth, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone he met. A gifted entertainer, Carl delighted in performing and brought his talents to numerous productions at the Farmington Players Barn, appearing in everything from comedies and musicals to heartfelt dramas. His passion for the theatre extended far beyond the stage—he found joy in every aspect of the craft, from designing and building sets to working the lights. For Carl, the theatre wasn't just a hobby; it was a place where he poured his creativity, energy, and love for bringing people together.
He was a good friend to many and someone others could always count on.
Above all, Carl will be remembered as a devoted husband, a proud family man, a passionate learner, a man of integrity, and a kind, selfless soul whose legacy lives on through the lives he touched.
Carl is the beloved husband of 64 years to the late Dolores; loving father of Karen (Robert) Schmitt, Michael (Susan) Orsini, Steven (Megan) Orsini, Frank (Amee) Orsini and Vincent (Lisa) Orsini; cherished grandfather of Brandon Schmitt, Andrea (Brandon) Wint, Zachary (Linda) Orsini, Bennett (Jessica) Orsini, Michael Orsini, Owen Orsini, Olivia Orsini, Vivienne Orsini, Charlotte Orsini, Valentino Orsini and Luca Orsini; great grandfather of Emma Orsini and a great granddaughter on the way. Carl was preceded in death by his sister, Antoinette Salvadori.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Wednesday, January 21, from 4-8 pm. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm.
Carl's funeral mass will be celebrated Thursday morning, January 22, at 10:00 am (instate 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington.
Entombment will follow in the Holy Sepulchre Mausoleum, Southfield.
Wednesday
The Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
The Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home
Starts at 7:00 pm
Thursday
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church
Starts at 10:00 am
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