Donal "Don" Ross Moretto

Donal R Moretto of Bartonville passed away on January 6, 2026. At Richard Owens Hospice in Peoria. He was born to Charley and Opal Moretto in Southern Illinois, October 11, 1928. He is survived by his daughter; Toni Moretto of Bartonville, and son Mark Moretto of Creve Coeur. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores Moretto and daughter Barbara (Gary) Wendelin,

Don’s family settled in central Illinois. His parents ran a grocery store in East Peoria and he helped. He participated and excelled in sports. His keen skills and maturity allowed him to achieve a somewhat a “Legendary” status with his friends and peers even playing Semi-pro football.

Don served his country by enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War. He also met and courted Dolores Wantling of Bartonville. Bartonville became his home. He and Dolores nurtured their family by providing a carefree life full of love and laughter. His personal goal to measure his life and parental success was making sure each child attended and graduated from Bradley University. He planned wonderful vacations to Florida, Canada and California. He was able to build and maintain a summer house in Henry, known to the family as The Watermelkin. He also had 2 boats: one for fishing and one for water skiing. He welcomed family and friends to both locations.

Don loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Dolores passed away in 1998, he traveled the country visiting family and Navy friends. He enjoyed dinners with his friends and neighbors ending the evening with desserts and card games. He always had a smile or hello for whomever he came upon. He loved to laugh and found meaningful humor in the hardest of places.

He would simply ask that you be honest, kind and do your share when needed.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Pekin. Burial will take place at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorial contributions in honor of Donal may be directed to The Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Institute at www.ilbcdi.org/donate-now/.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.