Francis P. Morelli

MORELLI, Francis P. In NJ, formerly of Medford, Sept. 10. Beloved husband of Sheila A. (VanderHoeff) of NJ. Loving father of Evelyn Poleway and her husband Will of NJ, Johanna Growney and her husband Brian of Delaware, Kristin Ferris and her husband Hank of Berkley, Anthony and his wife Tania Morelli of PA. Devoted brother of H. Edward Santarpio and his wife Helen of Watertown, Marie Speciale and her husband Guy of NJ, and the late Joseph Morelli and his wife Thelma. Cherished grandfather of Michael, Alexandra, Heather, Lianna, and Frank. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Francis Morelli was born to Tony and Evelyn Morelli in Medford, MA. He attended Medford High School and went on to study at Manlius Prep and Colgate University in New York. Fran joined the NY Titans and Jets Organization in the early '60's as an offensive linesman. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders but due to injury moved onto teaching and coaching. He was a successful football coach and English teacher at Waltham and Woburn High Schools. Later, Fran held several executive positions in the Wine and Spirits industry with companies such as Fleishmann's, Publicker, Standard Brands, and SoGrape. Francis was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, coach, teacher, and businessman. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran's name can be made to the Heart Center of NJ Fund, c/o Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Foundation, 8 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901; or http://www.rwjuhfdn.org/donate/index.html. Funeral from the Gaffey Funeral Home, 43 High St., Medford Square, MEDFORD, on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Church, Medford, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends invited to visiting hours Tuesday 8-9:30 a.m. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.