John Stanley Orshesky

October 15, 1941 – February 16, 2023

John Stanley Orshesky, 81, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on February 16, 2023. He left this world unexpectedly at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

John was born in Coatesville, PA, on October 15, 1941, to John and Ann (Lusky) Orshesky.  The oldest of three boys, John grew up with a focus on family, a love of music, and his joy of meeting and being around people.  John’s personality was such that he never knew a stranger.  Never shying away from a conversation, John had the unique ability to strike up a conversation and become fast friends with anyone that his path crossed.   After graduating from Horace Scott High School in 1959, John decided to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as a Unit Supply Specialist.  Early into his career he was selected to serve overseas in England where he met the love of his life, Tiana “Tina” Adele Smith of Ipswich, England.  With his U.S. Air Force commitment coming to an end, John and Tina decided to start their new journey together in the United States.

Following his U.S. Air Force career, John began his second career selling mobile homes for Oakwood Homes in Virginia for the next 20 years.  His people skills often gained the attention of his leadership – receiving multiple awards as a top salesman.  After 20 years, John transitioned back to the skills he learned in the U.S. Air Force, becoming a government contractor as a warehouse supply material handler for multiple firms until his retirement from RCI Enterprises Inc.  As John described it, “if anyone wanted to know how to find anything, it was me they called.”

John’s passions outside of work included gardening, playing darts in various local leagues, and spending time with family.  John made the most of family gatherings.  Each Christmas made brighter with decorations hung by John with care.  Every birthday was met with a howling rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” sung loudly by John, purposely off-key, and a ear-to-ear smile worn by the birthday boy or girl.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Tina, his two daughters, Claudia (Wes) Hooks, Nicole (Dan) Erickson, two granddaughters, Reinee (Mitch) and Megan, his brother Jim, his brother Ron, cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was pre-deceased by his parents, John and Ann.  A memorial will be held at Unity Church of Tidwater, 5580 Shell Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23455 at 1130 on March 4, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html) in John’s memory would be appreciated.