Orlando F. “Lee” Reitano

The music stopped. Orlando F “Lee” Reitano died peacefully on Nov. 20, 2016, at James Square.  The youngest of eight children, Lee was born in Cortland on March 12, 1923.  Lee is survived by his son, Thomas E. Reitano, daughter-in-law, Leslie R. Reitano, grandson, Thomas R. Reitano (Rachel), and great-grandchildren Alma P., Emma M. and Eli M.J. Reitano.  Also survived by loyal family friend, Leo Sweeney, many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews of the Reitano and Morris families.  Lee was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (Morris), in 2013, his parents John and Mary Grace Reitano, his seven siblings, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.
Lee graduated from Cortland High School in 1939.  He served three years in the 90th Infantry Division Band in Texas.  During World War II, the band members became stretcher-bearers to evacuate wounded comrades.  After the war, Lee attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill, graduating with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education.  In 1947, during his sophomore year of college, he married Margaret Morris and their son Thomas was born in 1950.
His 32-year teaching career at East Syracuse-Minoa began in 1950 at The Minoa School.  His teaching responsibilities were complemented by numerous endeavors in the musical realm and in the community.  He was instrumental in the initiation of the ES-M School Band, the Free Summer Music Program, and he was a school bus driver for many years.  As music coordinator for the East Syracuse-Minoa District, he encouraged many young students to pursue a music career in teaching or the performing arts.  Among the many to be fortunate enough to heed Lee’s call was his son, Tom.  He followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from Syracuse University with a music degree and becoming a music teacher at ES-M for 31 years. As a former student, Bev Petterelli, stated at Lee’s retirement: “Whether you knew the senior Mr. Reitano as Sam, Lee, Orlando, or Mr. Reitano, is immaterial.  All of those names bring to mind a warm, gentle, kind man who drew people to himself, inspired kids to excellence and gave so much to our community.”
The trombone was a vital part of Lee’s life inside and beyond the classroom.  He performed with many bands including: Glenn Miller, Eddie Williamson and The Parisians, Stan Colella, and Bones East. Lee’s most precious moments at age 93, were playing locally at Riley’s, with his son, Tom and family member, Dale Randall.  His other past times included playing golf with his buddies and traveling with his wife, Tom, Leslie and TR to northeast destinations in Canada, Vermont, Cape Cod and Boston, when not enjoying the family camp at the south end of Skaneateles Lake.
The family extends their gratitude to the caring staff at James Square 2 North, support staff and friends.  A special thanks to Max and Loretta for their compassionate care.
The funeral mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Salt Springs St., Fayetteville.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.  Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Church.  Memorial donations may be made to Symphoria, 234 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY 13202.