Orlando "Lon" Michael Mirolli

Orlando (Lon) Michael Mirolli, 88, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, in his daughter’s home in Lynchburg, VA. Born on November 22, 1937 in West Springfield, Massachusetts to the late Filomena (Urbano) and Diodato Mirolli. Lon was raised in the Catholic Church and served as an Alter Boy at the local church in Springfield, MA. After high school, he completed Northeast Broadcasting School in Boston and served in the Army National Reserves. Lon built a distinguished career in Television Broadcasting that spanned over four decades. In his early career, he directed live news and college and professional sports telecasts, and had the privilege of filming/directing Boston Red Sox games. He continued into Production Manager, General Sales Manager, General Manager, VP, and President roles across TV stations in Massachusetts, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and New Hampshire. He rebuilt many TV stations into profitability throughout his career and became known for his ability to fix failing TV stations, in doing so saved more than a few jobs. He was always unquestionably fair to everybody he worked with. He built teams at every TV station he managed and had a rare gift that allowed him to be more concerned with making a project successful for everyone involved, rather than worrying about getting credit. Lon also had a love of sports and played minor league baseball and hockey. He continued playing hockey into his 50’s and coached many teams along the way. He will be remembered by those closest to him as a kind, funny, fiercely loyal, unselfish, and perpetually generous and hopeful force wanting the best of everything for those around him. He was always asking “do you need anything” and he regularly donated to many charities. He also had a soft spot for animals and took great joy in all fur babies. Lon was preceded in death by his three brothers, Marcelino “Charlie” (2016), Henry (2024), and Gino (2024) and two nephews, Mark and Tony (2021). Lon is survived by his children Dan Mirolli, Susan and husband Bruce Stelmack, and Kara Mirolli. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Madeline Mirolli and Morgan Mirolli, as well as nephews Tom, Michael, Jimmy and nieces Gina and Anna…and granddogs Sid and Selena.