Orlando ‘OZ’ Zamprogna
December 13, 2022
Surrounded by his family, Orlando Zamprogna “OZ” passed on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, in his 85th year, in London, Ontario.
Orlando was born in Maerne (Veneto), Italy just prior to the outbreak of World War II, as an only child to the late Olga (née Carraro) and Massimiliano Zamprogna. He was a loving husband and huckleberry friend of 60 years to Ann (née Brady); a proud dad of his three girls, Lisa (Darin Deschamps), Julie (Joaquim Ballès), and Laura; a fun-loving grandpa to Daniela, Michaela & Liam (Deschamps), and Miquel, Brent & Estée (Ballès). Orlando was the wholehearted brother-in-law of Christine & Al McPherson of London, and Jim & Lynne Brady of Fenelon Falls. He will be greatly missed by his many family members, friends, and recipients of his light-hearted emails.
Orlando arrived in Canada in 1950 and was grateful for the opportunities of his new home. He was a proud Canadian and was dedicated to contributing to his community. During the nearly 60 years he lived in London, he served as a member of London’s City Council for 24 years as a councillor, controller, and Deputy Mayor. Orlando assisted several charitable organizations, served as Chair of the London Police Services Commission, Vice Chair of the Western University Board of Governors, and served on the Board of Directors of countless public boards and committees, including the London Chamber of Commerce, the London Regional Art and Historical Museum, the Covent Garden Market, Brescia College, King’s College, UWO Research Park, London Transit Commission, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Middlesex London District Health Unit, Thames Valley District Health Council, Western Fair, Children’s Safety Village, Lake Huron Water Distribution, Lake Erie Water Distribution, Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services, and Southwestern Ontario Smart Growth Panel.
Following his studies at the University of Toronto where he graduated at the top of his class (B. Eng. 1961), Orlando worked his “day job” mostly as a Planner, Project Manager, and Consulting Engineer. The legacy of his work can be seen in the majority of the buildings, operations, and sporting facilities at Western University, and at the Victoria Campus of the London Health Sciences Centre where he worked as Vice President of Physical Plant, Planning and Operations, responsible for the creation of the Victoria and Children’s Hospital and its operating plants.
As well as being an awarded engineer and long-serving politician, Orlando was known as a competitive athlete (basketball, curling, tennis), a music and theatre enthusiast, an adventurous traveller, an armchair philosopher, a vintner of “fine wine”, a fierce player of cards, and a friend to all. Truly, he was one-of-a-kind. His imagination, wisdom, caring, guidance and sense of fun will be missed, but will live on through those whose lives he enriched.
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue, London on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 12:00 p.m., with private interment to follow. A celebration of Orlando’s life will be announced at a later date. For those who wish, donations in Orlando’s memory may be made to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority or the Boys and Girls Club of London Foundation.
Leave a tribute for Orlando ‘OZ’ Zamprogna
Leave a tribute
Ann & Family: We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Orlando. He was a true Champion of needy children, youth & their Families! Whenever the Boys & Girls Club brought a Project to City Council for support, after due diligence & evaluation, he would always be the first one to vote for its approval. He would give me two thumbs up with a twinkle in his eyes plus his smile,he would say,keep helping those Kids & needy Families ! He will be missed but we know he was the Wizard of Oz , behind the scenes helping those most in need in our Community! RIP ,Friend of Youth . Retired Director Boys & Girls Club, Don Donner
Dear Ann and family, On behalf of Museum London staff and volunteers, we send heartfelt condolences on the passing of Orlando - a warm and gifted gentleman. Sincerely, Cydna Mercer
In the 1980's, I was an active member of the London Chamber of Commerce, which provided many opportunities for me to cross paths with 'OZ'. He would often represent the city at Chamber events. The one that stands out the most for was the E.C. 'Ernie' McTavish Awards, co-sponsored by the Chamber and the Secondary Teachers Federation. OZ would speak of his own journey of coming to Canada, the hardships he overcame, and more importantly, the gratitude he had for all that his new home offered. Well done, good and faithful servant, OZ, you showed us how to live and and how to love those around us. Jeff Ste. Marie Laurier Secondary School ( retired) Former Chair, Education Committee, London Chamber of Commerce
Worked in administration with Oz. His office was right across from the VP HR. We had so many laughs. He was the most polite, gentle, sense of humor person I have ever worked with. His smile, moved mountains. Last time our family saw Oz was at a rest stop with his daughter on the 401. We didn't hug, but butt fisted because of the environment. Rest in peace my good friend. Say hi to your buddy Mark B. You were loved and will always be remembered
Our heartfelt sympathy to Julie and family for the loss of Orlando who will be missed by generations of Londoners. Our thoughts are with you.
J.B , Julie and family, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Julie losing your dad is not easy. I know from times we have spoken what a great man he was and certainly he did much for his community. Our prayers are with you.
My deepest sympathies to Ann and Family. Oz was a wonderful man and he will be deeply missed. I especially will miss the jokes, you tube videos he used to send me, which always put a smile on my face. RIP Oz!
Dear Ann,Julie and the rest of your family, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your life partner and father. There is little more that I can say except that good memories remain a comfort. Fondly,Dell
Lisa and Darin and family-We are thinking of you and hope that you all find strength and support in each other at this sad time. You dad was an accomplished and highly respected man. Hugs,
I was very fortunate that my first term on Council coincided with Oz's last term. He was witty, smart, dedicated and a great teacher to rookies like me. Sadly, they don't make 'em like Oz any more. My condolences to his family.
I was sorry to hear of the death of my former colleague OZ. Having served 11 years on city council with him, I saw up close what a major contribution he made to our city. Sincere sympathies to Ann and the entire family. You are in our prayers. May he rest in peace!
So sorry for your loss. Please convey my sympathy to all the family. Denise Wexler
I had the good fortune and the honour of working with Orlando twice during my working days. First at Vic.Hospital during the Westminster Campus development, and then during his second tenure at UWO. He was a huge influence, a role model and mentor. So many wonderful memories. The comments many others have made here are so true. My condolences to Ann and the family. London had lost an icon.
Ann and family, so sorry to learn of Orlando’s passing. Our condolences to you all.
Dear Ann and family….We are so saddened to hear of Orlando’s passing. Kindly accept our sincere condolences.
I spent 23 years in municipal government in London. During that time three individuals stood far above the rest. Oz was one of them. He was the Jack Nicklaus of London municipal politics and a great friend. Paul Yorke.
A donation has been made to Upper Thames Conservation Authority.
We are lucky to be next-door neighbours to Ann and Orlando for over 35 years. From the moment we met until his passing Orlando was that same generous, engaging and very funny person. Our lives have been enriched beyond measure from the many interactions we shared over the years. Orlando will be missed, but his memory will be cherished. Our condolences to Ann and family.
When I first arrived in London I learned very quickly about this larger than life figure named OZ and how he was best known as a guy who told it like it was. Always the straight shooter, I thought if there was anyone's style and brand I could aspire to, it should be a guy like Orlando Zamprogna. While never as witty as Oz (who was), I was also influenced by his great sense of humour and inventiveness under what was often very trying circumstances. This City, this Country needs more people like Oz to keep us on the right path to prosperity and to keep us accountable for our actions. He did great work. He will be missed.
Ann, so sorry to hear of Orlando's passing , our prayers are for Orland , for you and for your family.
Orlando always had time to say hi to me and talk about city a hall ,may he RIP.
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
Lisa and Darin, We're very saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved Dad and the loss you must feel. But we were overwhelmed to learn of the generous and dedicated life he lead, giving so much to many community groups in London, who will also feel his loss. He sounds like a great man, I would have liked to know.
~ Anne Bancroft & Peter Chou