Deacon Orlando Lendoiro, 1936-2017

On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, the Knights of Columbus lost a dear brother and cherished member of the St. Isaac Jogues community in Deacon Orlando Lendoiro. The Knights of Columbus in St. Isaac Jogues Council #10462 and Assembly #3333, we want to express our deepest condolences and offer our prayers to the family members of Deacon Orlando Lendoiro, especially Margot and his children. Know that, as brother Knights, we will always be available to you to support you and your family. Although we lost our friend, we find comfort in the knowledge that Orlando is with God, our Father, in Heaven, and we look forward to the day when we can meet him again. In loving memory, Council #10462 and Assembly #3333 offer this look back on our friend.

Orlando Lendoiro was born in Cuba on June 20, 1936. Known for his light-heartedness and playful nature, it was appropriate that he met his first and only girlfriend, Margot, during their teen years at a circus in Cuba. He did, however, possess a strong work ethic, as illustrated by running the family jewelry store.

In 1957, Orlando and Margot committed their lives to each other through the Sacrament of Marriage. On November 1st of that same year, Orlando also joined the Knights of Columbus, receiving his First Degree. Placing God at the center of their lives helped their family endure many hardships in their lives.

Orlando always wanted what was best for his family. In 1960, Orlando and Margot decided he would leave for Miami in search of opportunities and to better the lives of his family. This decision lead into one of the most difficult times for both him and his family.

Signing Document the Day of Wedding

Early in Orlando’s time in the United States, there was a paramilitary force that was training to oust the Communist regime of Fidel Castro. At age 24, he was trained by the CIA to be part of the 2506 Brigade of Paratroopers. On April 17, 1961, the day known as the “Bay of Pigs” invasion, the force held a village for three days, but lost the battle with many force members being captured.

Orlando Lendoiro's 2506 Brigade Patches

During those 22 months, Orlando suffered poor conditions as a prisoner of war and even stood in front of a firing squad, although he was not shot upon.

Malnourished and weakened by the conditions, he and other imprisoned members of the brigade were exchanged on December 23, 1962 for a payment ($53 million) of food and medicine by the United States, under the direction of John F. Kennedy. The date of the invasion, the three days in the village and his imprisonment never left Orlando’s memory. Found on his wall calendars every year since his return to the United States, you would find a note on April 17 that read “Playa Girón”.

In 1963, Orlando was reunited with his family as Margot and his daughters used forged passports to get into the U.S. At the time, Orlando worked for $2.55 per hour, hacking sugar cane. For a time, their family moved north to New York, but made a return to Florida in the 1970’s. Orlando and Margot, now with four children, set their roots to stay in Orlando, Florida.

By 1983, Orlando went back to what he knew. With vast knowledge, he started selling jewelry door-to-door. His success led to the opening of a jewelry store, named El Regalito Jewelry, in 1987. Following some heart-related health issues, Orlando was forced into retirement in 1989. With Orlando on disability and Margot working as medical assistant, their financial situation was not the way they measured success.

Orlando believed that success can only be achieved through doing the work of God and helping people, especially those in need. He had a special devotion to our Blessed Mother, something he shared with his wife, even making rosaries for Margot on the side and carrying a finger rosary within his pocket. Finally, this jeweler, businessman, clock maker, soldier, husband, and father decided to utilize his God-given talents to do God’s work, a calling that was in the works many years prior.

On June 7, 1997 at the Cathedral of St. James in Orlando, FL following his preparation, Orlando became a deacon, receiving Sacred Ordination by Most Reverend Norbert M. Dorsey, Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando.

Deacon Orlando has touched so many lives in so many ways. Whether it be through the Baptism of a child, ministering to the sick or imprisoned, speaking at the many ministries at their request or even slipping monetary support who were in desperate need, Orlando showed what it meant to be a Catholic in both words, but more importantly, in action. With a gentle smile and a crack of a joke, he could take a person in despair and energize them with joy.

Within the Knights of Columbus, we have four core principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Orlando lived each one of those principles. He was charitable to anyone in need. He understood the importance of sticking together as one unit to do more and to support one another. He understood what it meant to be a brother, not just in our Fraternal Order, but as brothers and sisters in Christ. He was also a patriot to this country through service. On June 1, 2013, the St. Isaac Jogues Assembly #3333 welcomed Deacon Orlando in the Fourth Degree. He is an example of what a Knight is and what many of us strive to be a good Catholic men.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” ~John 14:1-4 (USCCB.org)

Picture of Margot, Deacon Orlando, Father Jose