Gerald Morelli died on August 26 at his home in Oak Bluffs. He was 80.
Jerry (with a J) was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Marianne, youngest son Timothy and his parents Angelo and Mary.
He was the loving father of George Morelli of Easton, Celia Gillis of Oak Bluffs, Steven Morelli of Braintree, Jerry Morelli of Williamsburg, Va. and Timothy Morelli. He is also survived by his brother Richard Morelli of Yarmouth.
He was raised in Jamaica Plain and was a graduate of Boston College High School and Stonehill College graduate,
Jerry devoted his life to his family and education. His vocation spanned six decades where he taught and coached countless students.
After a July honeymoon car trip across the country, Jerry began his career in Shelton, Conn. After a year, he landed in Dedham, where he would spend 35 years between Dedham High School and Avery Elementary School.
Upon retiring from teaching, he returned to his alma mater, Boston College High School, where he was an assistant vice principal and later dean of students. He worked there until retiring in 2011.
Jerry’s love of athletics, competition and team manifested itself in an extensive coaching career where he coached multiple sports at Dedham, Weymouth North, Curry College and Boston College High School.
Coaching basketball was his passion. He was inducted into three halls of fame; Dedham, Boston College High School and the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. It was a source of pride but if it came up in conversation, almost assuredly not by him, he would tell you that he was very fortunate to have had great players and was even more proud of what they became after high school.
Jerry emphasized hard work and team first, he did not measure success in wins or losses but competitive spirit, effort and willing the best out of his players and students. He valued the relationships with his players, brotherhood of coaches, most referees and school colleagues above all wins or accolades.
After retiring, Jerry moved to Oak Bluffs where he pursued a second love, rangering and starting at Farm Neck Golf Course. On many a day, the course slowed down as Jerry would chat up anyone with a connection — and there were many. He cherished the many friendships made on Martha’s Vineyard.
As proud as he was of his teams, his true source of pride was his family. During his illness and many visits to doctors, despite his diagnosis, his common refrain was that he was lucky to be blessed with his family.
Affectionately known as Grampy, he will be missed by his children in law who he loved as his own, Peter Gillis, Jill Morelli, Lynai Morelli and Carrie Morelli, and his grandchildren Peter, Marin, Mathew, James, Nicholas, Jordan and Evynn.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours to be held at the Hurley Currie Funeral Home in Holbrook on Thursday, August 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. His funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church in Holbrook. He will be interred at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.
For online guestbook and directions, visit thehurleyfuneralhomes.com.
