Evangelos Costas Orfanedes Obituary

Evangelos Costas Orfanedes

Summerville - Evangelos "Angie" Costas Orfanedes, age 84, passed away on February 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 12, 1941, he was a proud graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, Virginia, Class of 1959, where he served as President of his class. He went on to attend the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1963. He later returned to UVA to receive his MBA in 1969.

He served his country honorably in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1967, with assignments in the United States, Iceland, and Vietnam. It was during his time stationed in Iceland that he met the love of his life, Karol, whose father was working there as an expert aircraft consultant. Their love story began abroad and endured for six decades. They were married in 1965 and joyfully celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in December 2025.

Angie built a distinguished career in engineering and international business. His favorite professional chapter was serving as Plant Manager for Reliance Electric in Rogersville, Tennessee from 1979 to 1985. In 1985, he was promoted to Manager of International Operations and Sales for the company's mechanical group. He later retired as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Rockwell International. He was respected for his leadership, integrity, and his ability to bring people together from many different areas to solve problems.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Costas and Erasmia Orfanedes of Norfolk, VA, and his sister, Maria Skaperdas, of Manchester, NH. He is survived by his brother, George Orfanedes of North Carolina.

His greatest pride was his family. He loved his wife Karol more than anything in this world. He was a devoted father to Laraine "Lori" Durham and Alethea "E.C." Setser and a proud grandfather to Alexander Hammett, Austin Setser, Brady Setser, Olivia Durham, and Sarah Durham.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Angie was a brilliant man of many passions. He loved woodworking, running, playing his guitar, fast cars, singing karaoke, and performing at nursing homes. He was deeply devoted to his church and church family, sharing his gifts of music and fellowship generously. His warmth, humor, and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, leadership, and unwavering devotion to family. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

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