Lawrence Orluskie Passes Away

Lawrence “Larry” Orluskie, 56, a 6-year resident of Shady Side and previously of Bowie, MD, passed away on May 12, 2016, at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore.

Born on August 16, 1959, in Shamokin, PA to the late William and Elizabeth Orluskie, Larry graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 1977. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1976 but did not report for basic training until after graduation.  While serving in the military, Larry sought out many forms of education, starting in 1994 at Oklahoma University and graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Strayer University in 2007.  While pursuing his degree, Larry continued to patriotically serve his country for 24 years.  A decorated war hero, he traveled the world, serving at various duty stations.  He retired as a Master Sergeant in 2001 while stationed at the Pentagon in Public Affairs.  

As a civilian, Larry worked briefly for the WBOC television station as well as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. He transferred to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when it opened in 2002.  Throughout his career with DHS, Larry held various key positions, most recently as Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs.  He enjoyed all aspects of his career and took great pride in his work.

Larry was an avid gun enthusiast and collector. He was a member of the 12th Precinct Pistol and Archery Club, a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association, and was very passionate about Second Amendment rights.  He was also a member of the American Legion, the Brady Fire Company in Ranshaw, PA, and was Past President of the Avalon Shores Community Association.  Larry loved running and hiking as well as cruising in his Jeep. His many accomplishments in life included the completion of three half marathons. 

Larry strongly believed in living life to the fullest and loved spending time with family and friends. He was an amazing and supportive father and his daughters looked up to him with great admiration. Larry had many loves in his life but none so special as his soul mate for the past eight years, Michelle.  Larry made life an adventure every day.  He seemed to have a hand in everything and impactedeveryone he met along the way.  He will be truly missed.

Larry is survived by the love of his life, Michelle Walczak; three daughters, Sophie (Justin) Grubb of Detroit Lakes, MN, Emilee Orluskie of Annapolis and Lydia (Randy) Erickson of Fargo, ND; his former wife, Christine Griffin Orluskie; one sister, Roxanne Orluskie of Shamokin, PA; four grandchildren, Brigham, Drake, Dylanger and Katelyn; two nieces, Holly and Autumn and a nephew, Tommy.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Larry's life on Wednesday, May 18 from 2 to 4PM and 6 to 8PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater. 

A viewing will be held on Thursday May 19 at 11AM until his service begins at 12PM at Chesapeake Christian Fellowship, 377 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD.  Burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216 or the NRA Processing Center, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648