First Posted: 1/6/2013

Michael W. Ortalano, 50, of Vienna, Va., formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was a son of Michael and Carol Stahley Ortalano. He was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre. He furthered his education, earning a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, a master’s degree from University of Delaware and a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland. He worked in the information technology field, serving for several years as a software engineer with AARS, Vienna, Va. Michael was an avid reader, enjoyed cooking and, being mechanically inclined, he always was building and tinkering with some kind of appliance.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ruth and John Stahley, and Lillian and Michael Ortalano.

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In addition to his parents, he survived by a sister, Susan Sherman, Wyoming; two nieces, Justine and Janelle Sherman; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at 10 a.m. from the Daniel J. Hughes Funeral & Cremation Service, 617 Carey Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Barbara Pease of the Firwood United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, Trucksville. Friends may call today, Jan. 6, 2013, at the funeral home from 2 to 4 p.m.