Orland S.M. Alwardt died at the Massachusetts General Hospital on Nov. 22, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia.

Orlie, as he was best known to his many Vineyard friends, was born in Oak Bluffs on March 3, 1933 to Frank and Lottie Alwardt, at the time one of the Island’s largest families. His parents, sisters Anita, Freda and Dora, and brothers Carl, Henry, Herman, Robert, Frank, Madison and Karl predeceased him.

He worked as a mechanic for Bernard’s Garage in Oak Bluffs and was later employed by the town of Oak Bluffs as the head mechanic for the highway department for 20 years. He also served as a volunteer firefighter and a lieutenant for many years on Engine 2. He married Mary Ann King on Sept. 21, 1957 and together they raised four children in their home on Uncas avenue.

Orlie loved living his life on the Vineyard and was known for his willingness to lend a hand and share his great sense of humor with his many friends. Orlie could always be heard whistling a tune, and it was a joy for him to hear his son and his grandchildren following in his love of whistling. He enjoyed traveling during his retirement years to such locations as New Hampshire (a favorite fall trip he had just recently taken), Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Washington, D.C., Disney World and Nova Scotia. He was an avid bird watcher, loved to shellfish and enjoyed the craft of chair caning.

Orlie will be sadly missed by his companion Karla Martel, his cat Patches, his brother Paul and his wife Linda of Tennessee, as well as his many nieces and nephews and their families.

Dad will always hold a special place in the hearts of his son Brian and his wife Denise, daughter Mary Ann and her husband Lionel Romain, daughter Valerie and her husband Bruce O’Donnell, and daughter Pamela Medeiros. Papa will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Caitlyn, John, Ashley, Kevin, Alysha, Cory, Amber and Natalie.

A memorial service was held in the Trinity United Methodist Church in the Oak Bluffs Camp Ground on Nov. 28. A private burial will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1332 North Halsted Street Suite 201, Chicago, Illinois 60622.

Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.