Samuel P. Orlando

Samuel P Orlando Portrait - 1928-09-06

Samuel P. Orlando, born on April 26, 1900, in Italy, was the son of Tony and Fortune Orlando. He immigrated to the United States in 1909, along with his family. In the 1910 Census, the Orlando family was residing in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Samuel’s father, Tony, and his older brother, Mike, were employed as laborers at a glass factory. Samuel had a younger sister named Jennie.

As Samuel P. Orlando reached draft age, he registered for the draft in September 1918, still living in Bridgeton, New Jersey, and attending Bridgeton High School. The family’s presence in Bridgeton continued to be documented in the 1920 Census, and none of its members had yet become U.S. citizens.

After graduating from high school, Samuel pursued a career in law. By 1926, he had married Elsie, who was also a lawyer. The couple decided to make their home in Camden. In the 1930 Census, Samuel and Elsie, along with their daughter Letitia, were residing at 2613 Baird Boulevard in East Camden. By this time, Samuel had already established his law firm, and he even hired Frank M. Lario Sr. as an associate. Samuel was also actively involved in local politics as a member of the Democratic Party and served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in various years, including 1932, 1936, 1940, 1948, and 1956.

Samuel P. Orlando’s career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the Assistant Camden County Prosecutor on September 6, 1928, stepping in for Joseph Varbalow. He continued to rise in the legal field and became the Camden County Prosecutor in October 1936, succeeding Ethan P. Wescott. During his tenure as County Prosecutor, he handled several high-profile capital cases, securing convictions in notable cases such as that of William John Stephan in 1936 and the Reverend Walter Dworecki in 1939. Samuel P. Orlando collaborated closely with Lawrence Doran, who served as the Chief of Detectives for Camden County, in solving these and other cases.

While practicing law and serving in a prominent legal capacity, Samuel had his law offices initially located at 130 North Broadway, situated in the Wilson Building. However, at some point after 1959, he moved his practice to Haddonfield, New Jersey.

Samuel P. Orlando’s residential history reflects his move from Camden to Haddonfield, as he was listed as a resident of Camden in the 1930 Census. By 1947, he had relocated to 111 Upland Way in Haddonfield, where he resided until his passing in May 1972.


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