Crecenzo John Morello

Crecenzo “John” Aloysius Morello, age 77, died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 27, 2012 after a long and difficult battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He is survived by his wife the love of his life Mary Morello and his wonderful sister Rose Legier. He is also survived by his three daughters who he adored Gina Morello Huguet (Tracy), Ann Worthy (Ray), and Yvonne Mancheski (Jeremy). His grandkids were truly the highlight of his life; they are Reed and Nolan Huguet, Grace Elizabeth Worthy, and Molly and Max Mancheski. He was previously married to Ella Marie Bourgeois Morello. He was preceded in death by his parents Lena Rizzuto Morello and John Morello and his aunt who raised him Annie Rizzuto Talia. He will be sadly missed by his extended family Elliot Neumann (Jill), Monique Rodriguez (Brian) and Todd Neumann (Shari) and their children and grandchildren: Tabitha (Aryelle and Brees), Travis, and Elliot Neumann, Derek and Amanda (Aaliyah) and Brian Rodriguez and Todd, Brendon, Ashley, and Nathan Neumann. John was born on November 21, 1934. A native and lifelong resident of New Orleans, John attended St. Mary’s Italian grammar school and St. Aloysius high school. He was employed for over 30 years by Standard Supply and Hardware Company and later the Blood Center of Southeast Louisiana and Quest Diagnostics. He was very proud of his Italian heritage and was one of the founding members of the Italian American Marching Club. He was also a member of the Good Friends Social Group. He was raised in the French Quarter on Chartres Street and loved to spend time in the neighborhood where he grew up. He was a superb athlete and was often recognized for this basketball and boxing talent. He loved sports including the Saints, LSU and Tulane. He was passionate about horse racing and bet the horses daily. He was a wonderful story teller who loved to relate stories about all the characters he grew up with and worked with and their hilarious antics. He was never without a good joke to tell. One of his greatest attributes was his ability to connect with children. Most kids who met him loved him. He would make them laugh, play with them, joke with them and most importantly gave them his undivided attention. All of his grandchildren were very special to him. He rarely missed a baseball, football or basketball game, dance recital or birthday party. He attended every event that he could to support them. Their birthday numbers were often successfully used as good luck when betting an exacta. The family wishes to recognize John’s friend for over seventy years, Nester Sanchez, whom John spoke with daily; also his friend, Tony Quirk who was by his side almost nightly during his illness. The family also wishes to thank Laura with Hospice Compassus, Dr. Burns and his nurse Linda who were all very supportive during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the American Lung Association, 2325 Secern Ave. #8, Metairie, LA 70001. Relatives and friends of the family are welcome to attend the visitation Tuesday January 31, 2012 beginning at 10:30 am followed with a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00pm in the chapel of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery 1322 Louisa St. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.comArrangements under the direction of Schoen Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA.