Claudio L Orsi

Claudio Orsi, age 95 of Omaha, died Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE. He was born the son of Alfonso and Elivia (Orsi) Orsi on March 7, 1923 in Omaha, NE. He received his education at Omaha Technical School. As a young man, he enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cards and even going to the horse track, but his first love was working at the family bakery in the Little Italy neighborhood in south Omaha. On July 29, 1941, Claudio was united in marriage to Frances Bonfiglio in Papillion, NE. However, on January 18, 1943, Claudio was drafted into the US Army. Although he had never flown before, he became a tail-gunner on a 10-man B-24 bomber crew during WWII. He flew in over 43 missions during his time in the Army Air Force, then on September 3, 1945, Claudio was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal with One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Two Bronze Stars and One Silver Star, World War II Victory Medal and Honorable Service Lapel Button for his service to his country. After he returned home, it was back to the bakery where he was most comfortable. He bought the bakery from his father in 1949, and would continue the business until he sold it in 1987 to his son, Robert “Bobby” Orsi. He was a member of the Sons of Italy, VFW, and the Omaha Bowling Hall of Fame. Claudio was known for having big ears and he loved to sing Italian songs to the Ladies when he had the chance, as well as being very Jovial and gracious to everyone he met. Five words his family says best describe him are – Gracious, Loveable, Dedicated, Hero and Light-hearted. But the most important things in his life were, his wife, his military service, Omaha Bowling Hall of fame and owning the family bakery – Oris’s Bakery. Listening to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra as well as watching the Huskers, drinking a good cup of coffee and eating his sweets were his simple pleasures. He would say, “If you can’t have fun, then stay home!” He is preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Frances Orsi and son, Robert “Bobby” Orsi. Survived by: his daughter, Frances Kinney of Omaha; seven grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren and a brother, Frank Orsi of Omaha.

Claudio L Orsi

March 7, 1923 - August 28, 2018