Livio J. Morelli, 91, of Ridgway, PA
Livio J. Morelli, 91, of Ridgway, PA passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Thursday, October 19, 2023.
He was born on April 18, 1932, in Weedville, a son of the late Arturo and Secondina Flaim Morelli.
After attending Bennetts Valley Schools, he proudly served his country during the Korean conflict, after achieving the rank of sergeant, he was honorably discharged. He returned to Elk County and began a career as a skilled butcher, starting at Veronesi’s Market in Force, PA. He continued in the butcher business at The Center Market in Ridgway, where he met the love of his life Joan “Jennie” Viglione, who survives, their blessed marriage for 67 years. Together they successfully ran a prosperous business, Morelli’s Meat Market, serving the community for over 25 years.
After retirement, as a successful owner, he embarked on a second career working at Ridgway Elementary School as a custodian. He often said he truly enjoyed the students and teachers and was especially grateful that he could watch his granddaughters throughout their elementary school years.
Some of his favorite things to do were to spend time hunting and fishing with his two sons, a good game of cinch, he was an avid golfer, and a fine bowler. Livio was active in the community serving as an usher at St. Leo’s Church for many years, he was member of the Knight of Columbus, The American Legion, Kiwanis, and a volunteer fireman. Livio was especially fond of his days of hard work on “the farm”, where he often spoke of milking cows, bailing hay, and tending to livestock.
He was a hardworking man, sometimes working several jobs at once, delivering Sunday newspapers, bartending at The Sons of Italy, The Ridgway Moose, and The Hyde Hotel. All to provide a better life for his family.
In addition to his loving wife, Joan, he is also survived by 3 children; Arther Morelli of Kersey, Patty Carlson and her husband Roger of Ridgway, and Michael Morelli and his wife Jennifer of Ridgway, and 2 granddaughters who were the apples of his eye, Kara Morelli of Millford, PA and Danielle Carlson of Charlston, SC.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Aldo Morelli, a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Cesa Morelli, and a sister-in-law, Millie Morelli, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Livio will be remembered for his love of God, his country, family, friends, his joy in telling a good joke, his eagerness to help anyone, his very strong work ethic, and his fundamental job of loving life.
A Mass of Christian burial for Livio J. Morelli will be celebrated on Monday, October 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino, Pastor, as celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Leo Cemetery.
Military honors will be accorded by Ridgway, Johnsonburg, Wilcox Burial detail.
Visitation for family will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023, from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Leo’s Church and Hahne Cancer Center.
Krise Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 130 Center Street, Ridgway, PA, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com