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Community Leader
And Devoted Family Man

J

oseph Orley was an exemplary
community leader, a generous
philanthropist, a successful
businessman and, most importantly,
a devoted family man who left a
remarkable legacy of giving inspired
by his extraordinary life.
Joe, who lived in Bloomfield Hills,
passed away on May 25, 2016, sur-
rounded by his cherished family. He
was 95.
Born to immigrant parents in 1920,
Joe and his family lived through a
devastating economic depression and
a major world war, where he and his
brother, Graham, and his sister, Rhea,
learned the value of hard work and
the importance of family. A student
at Angell Elementary School, Durfee
Intermediate School and Central High
School, Joe attended the University
of Detroit and the Wharton School of
the University of Pennsylvania before
joining the U.S. Navy during World
War II. Joe learned at a young age to
take risks and approach every under-
taking with creativity and passion.
Today, the Orley name can be seen
on buildings, plaques, board directo-
ries and committee rosters in agen-
cies and organizations throughout
Metro Detroit. His legacy includes a
lengthy list of substantial contribu-
tions as well as leadership positions
and accomplishments that were
instrumental in helping Jewish com-
munal life in Detroit and throughout
the world.
Joe’s commitment to Jewish
Family Service is exemplified by
the Suzanne and Joseph Orley and
Sally and Graham Orley Building on
Maple Road in West Bloomfield, for
which the Orleys were lead donors.
Joe was a Benefactor Level donor to
Federation’s Centennial Fund, and he
is recognized with his family for his
significant support of Federation’s
Annual Campaign on the Lifetime
of Giving Wall in Federation’s Butzel
Conference Suites. His many honors
include the 2005 William Davidson
Lifetime Achievement Award, which
he received with his brother and busi-
ness partner, Graham, for their lead-
ership and philanthropy.

While on leave
unwillingness to ever
from his Navy post,
concede or give up
Joe met Suzanne
was the core of my
Harris, his beloved,
father’s charisma,”
and they were
said his son Gregg.
married in 1944.
Despite his out-
Together they made
standing success, Joe
a striking couple,
found his greatest
and they spent
personal fulfillment
more than 65 years
in the closeness he
together raising
shared with his fam-
their four children,
ily. In his later years,
Joy, Melissa, Gregg
after he lost his
and Rob, traveling
adored Suzanne and
the world, spending
subsequently suf-
time with friends
fered a stroke, he let
and enjoying their
his guard down and
growing fam-
allowed his family to
Joseph Orley
ily. As their chil-
experience his softer
dren married and
side.
He taught by
grandchildren and
“He taught by
great-grandchildren
example
that one can
example that
came along, Joe’s
change, even in the
the Orley name twilight of his years,”
joy grew in propor-
tion. Nothing made
Gregg said. “He gave
meant good
him happier than
us a treasure chest of
an Orley family
values, integrity, courage, strength and
simchah. All were
compassion.”
generosity
welcomed as if
He believed life
they were Joe and
should be a balance of
and loyalty.
Suzanne’s own chil-
serious endeavors and
dren.
fun. He embraced life,
“‘Papa Joe’ did not
marching as a clown
go through life trying to find himself; in Detroit’s Thanksgiving Parade, and
he created himself,” said grandson
always making time to check in with
Ryan Orley, who spoke at the funeral
his grandchildren to let them know
service. “He taught us all what family they were loved. He was an optimist,
really meant — unconditional love.”
marking special moments with his
At the service, grandson Seth Lax
signature “thumbs up.”
recalled his grandfather explaining
In 1933, his parents joined
how lucky we are to be American, to
Congregation Shaarey Zedek so Joe
be Jewish and to be surrounded by
could become a bar mitzvah, and he
the love of family.
continued to be an active member of
He taught by example that the
the synagogue throughout his life-
Orley name meant good values,
time.
integrity, generosity and loyalty. Even
“He was a true builder — of busi-
with his extraordinary generosity,
ness, community and of family,” said
he always wished he could do more.
Rabbi Aaron Starr of Shaarey Zedek,
He had intrinsic business acumen, a
who officiated at the funeral service.
strong will and a sometimes demand- “He not only helped to build and sup-
ing temperament. “You’re an Orley,”
port the infrastructure of the Detroit
Joe would tell his children and grand- Jewish community, he was and
children, which meant they had to do remains part of its soul.”
their very best, and he, in turn, would
But his many achievements and
do everything he could to help them.
accolades pale in comparison to what
“Loyalty, confidence and relentless
Joe considered his greatest legacy

— his family. His children and their
spouses are carrying on Joe’s ideals
as philanthropists, community trail-
blazers, agency leaders, synagogue
presidents and campaign chairs; and
the next generation is now stepping
forward to continue what he began.
“There is no greater legacy a man
can leave than the unending devotion
of his children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, their commit-
ment to Judaism and to the Jewish
people, and their striving every day
to improve the lot of those in need,”
Rabbi Starr said.
“He walked the walk. He loved his
community, he loved helping those
less fortunate,” said Scott Kaufman,
Federation CEO. “He was a real leader
by action; he stepped forward for the
Jewish people, year after year.
“All four of his kids and their
spouses are very involved in com-
munity leadership and philanthropy,
which speaks to his legacy.”
Joseph Orley is survived by his
children, Joy and Allan Nachman,
Melissa and Larry Lax, Gregg and
Harriet Orley, and Robert and Marcie
Orley; grandchildren, Elanah and
Rick Hunger, David and Briana
Nachman, Seth and Mandy Lax,
Liza and Zachary Gordon, Ryan
Orley, Emily Orley and fiance, Jason
Jacob, Matthew and Samantha Orley,
Alex Orley, Jason Orley and fiancee,
Ramona Mark, and Olivia Orley;
great-grandchildren Harrison and
Dash Hunger, Juniper and Bowie
Nachman, Coco Suzanne Lax, Leo
Lax and Hank Gordon; brother and
sister-in-law, Graham and Sally Orley;
sister and brother-in-law, Rhea and
Robert Brody; brother-in-law, Merle
Harris and Jackie Gard; brother-in-
law, Alfred Harris and the late Shirley
Harris. He was the precious husband
of the late Suzanne Harris Orley.
Interment was at Clover Hill Park
Cemetery. Contributions may be
directed to Jewish Family Service,
Suzanne and Joseph Orley Fund, 6555
W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI
48322, (248) 592-2300. Arrangements
by the Ira Kaufman Chapel.

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