Dr. Orphanidys received his DDS in 1938. After graduation, he worked for the Virginia Health Department for two years, traveling through the state administering dental treatment to rural school children. He opened his dental practice in Newport News in 1939 and successfully maintained it until his retirement shortly before his 90th birthday. He adored his patients and staff, considering them to be his second family.

Dr. Orphanidys served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, stationed at Langley Field and then at Fort Moultrie, S.C. He was one of eight select progressive thinkers appointed by the governor to organize a non-profit dental insurance company, the Virginia Dental Services Plan, serving as its president. Today, the company is known as the highly successful Delta Dental Plan of Virginia.

Throughout his career, Dr. Orphanidys was a firm believer in continuing education, ensuring that he used the most advanced and innovative techniques. He was a fellow of both the Virginia Dental Association and the American College of Dentistry. He presided over various organizations, including the Peninsula Dental Society, the Mental Health Association, the Mental Health Clinic Board and the Community Health Coordinating Committee. Additionally, he was a member of the Peninsula Health Planning Council, the Virginia Dento-Legal Committee, the Family Counseling Committee for Newport News Public Schools and the Kiwanis Club. He attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church and later St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, serving as president of the St. Andrew's Episcopal Men's Club. In 1949, he joined Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, serving on its parish council and chairing its annual Greek Festival.

Among his many interests were gardening, reading, hiking, discussing politics, attending cultural events, playing the harmonica and winning at Scrabble. Most importantly, Dr. Orphanidys enjoyed spending time with his family. He also had a special group of cherished friends who shared a 47-year bond, playfully referring to themselves as the "choir group." He was an avid Redskins fan who never missed watching or listening to a game, and he had a terrific sense of humor-he could entertain an entire room with his jokes. His zest for life and learning was contagious and never ceased. And yet for all his accomplishments, he was a humble man who rarely accepted public recognition for his work.

He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 61 years, Katie, and his four children, Dr. George Orphanidys; Helen Arnold and her husband, Dr. Fred; John Orphanidys and his wife, Jeanna; and Diane Herman and her husband, Marty.

He is also survived by his adoring grandchildren, Dr. Paul Arnold and his wife Stephanie; Matthew Arnold; Nicholas Arnold; Joshua Orphanidys; Katie Orphanidys; Aletheia Orphanidys and his great-grandchildren, Jack Apollon Arnold and William Attileo Arnold. In addition, he leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and cousins in the United States, Greece and Australia.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News. The family will receive guests immediately following the prayer service. The funeral service will also be held at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, with the Rev. George Chioros and the Rev. Peter Makris officiating. Following interment at Peninsula Memorial Park, guests are invited to return to the Hellenic Community Center in Newport News for the traditional Makaria memorial luncheon.

Arrangements are being made by Riverside Altmeyer Funeral Home in Newport News. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to: Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic, 2276 George Washington Memorial Hwy., Hayes, VA 23072; or The Boys and Girls Club of the VA Peninsula, 11825 Rock Landing Drive, Chesapeake Building, Suite B, Newport News, VA 23606. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.