Michael Orona

John Michael Orona passed away at his Baton Rouge home on October 7, 2025.

To some of his business associates and friends he was John but to his family he was always Michael. He exemplified the true meaning of his name which is “A gift from God”.

Michael was good, caring, patient and possessed a sweet tender soul. He always gave of his time and talents to those he cared about, which was many because he rarely met a stranger.

From a small child in a pouch around his father’s neck to a grown man he was interested in working with wood and his hands. He learned some of the basic parts of construction from his dad but mastered the complexity of beautifully finished trim carpentry by his own determination. After starting his business, Delta Woodworkers, he became one of the most sought-after carpenters in the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, working in many high-end custom homes.

A man of many talents, Michael was an excellent cook. He enjoyed food ranging from your everyday hamburger to exquisite cuisine. He would try different techniques and spices until he perfected each dish. Some of his immediate family’s best memories were when he and his sisters and brother-in-law would all cook at the same time, and each prepared something different. His mom would stand back and watch with love and pride as her children laughed, joked and cooked together and then sit down as a family to enjoy the outstanding meal.

Michael was also a skilled fisherman. He was always studying and working on his ability to be great at locating and catching redfish. Every chance he had he would go to the family camp and fish for whatever was biting, rarely returning home without a fresh caught meal.

He loved reading, going out to eat, traveling by train but most of all he loved getting together with his fairly large family and playing the domino game “42” or card game “Hand and Foot”. Those family traditions will not be the same without Michael.

Left to treasure memories with Michael are his mother Susan Lindig, Baton Rouge, LA.; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Christy and Shane Pafumi, Sarah Orona; and two nieces, Georgia and Bella Pafumi, all live in Sydney, Australia. Aunts and Uncles are Larry Lindig (Brenda), Cocodrie, LA., Jerry Lindig, Baton Rouge, LA., Nicole Lindig Hallmark (Tommy), Snellville, GA., Linda Lindig Carr (Vince), Baton Rouge, LA., Lark Lindig, Winter Park, FL. Also cherishing great memories with Michael are his many cousins.

Preceded in death by his father, John Orona; fiancée, Tina Mengarelli, grandparents, Lawrence W. Lindig, Sr., Carmen and Oliver Lindig; and cousin, Jeremy Lindig.

Pallbearers are Clint Lacassin, David Lindig, Tommy Sission, Christian Donnelly, Steve Donnelly, Mike Corley, Robert Morse and Tyler Hutchinson.

Services are at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy in Baton Rouge, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with visitation from 9-11 a.m., funeral at 11 a.m. and burial to follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Following the burial a reception will be held in the Resthaven Legacy Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, St. Jude, an organization that Michael was a lifelong supporter of.