Louis Morelli Sr

Louis Morelli Sr. was born on August 8, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Bernice (Falcone) Morelli. He is survived by his faithful wife of 63 years, Mary (Muscari) Morelli and his 7 children and their families: Louis Jr. and Iva (Glass) Morelli; Rose Mary (Morelli) and Jerry Gudz; Paul and Jeanie (Ozimek) Morelli; Carol (Morelli) and Dave VanderMeulen; Kathy (Morelli) and Fred Lamb; Joseph and Doreen (Laskey) Morelli; Debi (Morelli) and Steve Matzke. He was "Papa" to Louis V. Morelli,III and wife Linda, Lisa Mills and husband Brad, Kari Lowe and husband Chris, Brian Gudz and wife Lori, David Morelli, Alina Baima and husband John, Michael Morelli, David C. VanderMeulen, Kristina Lamb, Joey Lamb, Karen Lamb, Anthony Morelli, Colby Matzke, Casey Matzke, Haley Matzke and "Great Papa" to Louis C. Morelli IV, Braden Morelli, Cameron Morelli, Caden Mills, Gabriel Mills, Colton Mills, Nathan Gudz; and "brother" to Albert Morelli. He was "Uncle Lou" to more nieces and nephews than we can count. Louis is now in his much anticipated heavenly home in the glorious presence of his Lord. He was welcomed by his loving mother, father, and sisters: Carmella (Morelli) Palermo, Ann (Morelli) Forte, Rosalie (Morelli) Reamer, and Mary Morelli. In his arms is sweet angel, Grace Mills, Louis' great granddaughter.

Louis was a commercial photographer from 1937-1940 for Photographic Illustration in Chicago, Illinois. He served his country faithfully for 3 years during World War II as a radio repairman and drove amphibian vehicles during the battles of Saipan and Okinawa, transporting troops to invasion beaches and ferrying wounded soldiers and marines to hospital ships. Upon his return, he pursued and married Mary Muscari, the love of his life, on March 22, 1947. He began a career in tailoring, while taking on the role of fatherhood as his family grew to 7 children over a period of 10 years. Although our home was full and provisions were limited daddy always made a place at the table for those less fortunate.

Louis and Mary lived in Chicago until 1972 when they moved to Villa Park, Illinois where he worked as a bank teller, distributing more lollipops and receiving more smiles from countless children whose parents had to wait in line for their favorite teller. In 1980 they moved to Plano, Texas where he was employed as the Tailoring Foreman at Brooks Brothers Dallas. Upon his retirement in 1988, Louis and Mary returned to Illinois so they could help at their home church and spend time with their Chicago family and "take care" of his younger brother, Al. In June 1991 they moved to Hemet, California and then in February 2004 they returned to Texas, where they made their home in McKinney.

Louis' sole purpose in life was to be faithful to the Lord. He always gave God the glory for everything he had. He served the Lord faithfully for the last 80 years--sharing freely about how at the young age of 9 the Lord saw fit to fill him with the Holy Spirit. Whenever he shared that experience it was as though it happened just yesterday. He was so thankful that the Lord saw fit to reveal Himself to him at such a young age. He always lived his life with eternal purpose, taking every opportunity to boldly share the Gospel message with all who crossed his path.

He loved serving at Hanson Park Gospel Church in Chicago--(which will always be his home church)--but always serving behind the scenes. He spent many a Saturday cleaning, shoveling snow, repairing seat covers or whatever needed to be done to keep the House of the Lord in top condition. It's amazing that doing these chores brought him so much joy. He was a deacon at the church and also taught an Italian service on Tuesday evenings.

Throughout the years Louis and Mary have become the adopted parents and grandparents to so many. Everyone they met became family to them--from Chicago to California and now in Texas.

Loving Husband, Dad, Papa, Great Papa, Uncle Lou, and Lou, your memory will live always in our hearts--we love you dearly!

We could not have chosen a better man to be our father. He left us such a rich and fulfilling heritage, which we plan to pass on for generations to come. Our prayer is that we will be faithful to continue in Dad's footsteps. We will miss him terribly, but rejoice in knowing he is finally at peace in the presence of His Lord and Savior.

To my loving husband of 63 years and best friend, I will miss you tremendously, but I know someday you will meet me at heaven's door. I thank God that you have always been a loving and committed husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. You will always live in my heart.
With all my love, Mom

Our family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the many friends who have expressed their love and support. Your prayers, kind words and visits have meant more to us than you'll ever know.

A Night of Remembrance will be celebrated Monday, May 31, 2010 at Allen Family Funeral Options from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Crosspoint Church, 2101 Stonebridge Dr., McKinney, Texas 75070. Lunch immediately following.

There will be an additional service on Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Northlake Funeral Home, 140 E. North Ave., Northlake, Illinois 60164. Viewing at 9:30 a.m. and a Celebration Service at 11:45 a.m. Louis will be laid to rest at Fairview Memorial Park, 900 N. Wolf Road, Northlake, Illinois 60164 at 1 p.m. Lunch immediately following.

If desired, donations may be made in Louis' name to Crosspoint Church, 2101 Stonebridge Dr., McKinney, Texas 75070 - 972-562-2200 - www.crosspoint-church.org.