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BORN
1964
DIED
2018
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Anthony Morelli Obituary
1964-2018
worked at the Fairlawn police dept for a year and then became a 29 year veteran of the Westerville, Ohio Police Dept., passed away from gunshot wounds on Feb. 10, 2018; He and Detective/K9 officer Eric Joering were shot and killed while answering a domestic violence call on Feb. 10, 2018 in Westerville, Ohio.
"They had the courage to run toward the unknown danger together and their lives were taken because they were brave enough to answer the call" They were honorable men doing a dangerous job and never hesitated when asked to.
"A HERO REMEMBERED NEVER DIES"
Anthony was born in Army Tripler Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 7th, 1964 on the island of Oahu. He was married to his wife, Linda (Wilch) Morelli on Sept. 23, 1989.
Along with his wife, he leaves behind his daughter, Elizabeth; son, Christopher and future son-in-law, Dan Frank (of Cincinnati, Ohio); his parents, Anthony and Carolyn (Steiner) Morelli; his brother, David Morelli and his wife, Ramneet and children, Sukhjit (Sukh), Jasjit (Jess) and Simi of Dublin, Ohio; his brother, Michael Morelli and his son, Lucas of New Albany, Ohio. He also leaves many Aunts, Uncles, cousins friends, and his Godchildren, Andrew Dailey and Heather (Sexton) Cebulla.
He was raised in Massillon, Ohio where he was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, he attended Washington High School where he played for the Massillon Tiger Football team, graduated from Kent State University and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Officers Academy. He was a loved and respected member of the Westerville, Ohio community.
Officer Eric Joering leaves behind a wife and four children.
A private service for Family and Friends of Anthony will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15th at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Rd., Westerville, Ohio 43081. Services will begin at 6:00 p.m. You are invited to attend and speak if you wish.
A formal public Police Officers memorial, service Honoring Officer Anthony Morelli and Officer Eric Joering will be held on Friday, Feb. 16th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Catholic church, 313 North State St., Westerville, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Morelli
Julie Smithson
February 9, 2025
Tony, seven years have now passed. This day, February 9th, 2018, was your last full day on this earth. No one knew what was about to happen the next day or that your partner, Eric Joering, would be joining you in Heaven, leaving behind family, friends, co-workers, and so many that benefitted from your having lived! God bless you both and continue to bring comfort to all of us, whether we ever knew you or not. The Thin Blue Line stands strong and true for all of us as we think of you and in so doing, honor your memory always!
Constance Merritt
February 7, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Julie Kay and Lil Prince Smithson
November 11, 2019
May Tony's family and friends have peace as they continue to remember the true hero their husband/father/friend will always be. I didn't know Tony, but hope to someday visit the Westerville Library and donate a book or two in his memory!
Chris A
November 1, 2019
Justice has been served today. Bless officer Morelli, his family, friends an officers of the Westerville Police Department.
One of my fave pics of Tony.
April 3, 2018
Tony - I miss you more every day. Thank you for your friendship and the laughs.
Catch you on the flip side.
Love, Lisa Hamilton
Teresa Springer
February 25, 2018
You will be Dearly Missed. Especially at the Westerville Library. Condolences to his family and westerville Police Department from Teresa and Her Husband Mark
Anthony Rudd
February 21, 2018
Tony, you are my good friend and I have no words that can describe how much I will miss you. Your family will always be a part of our family and we will watch over them. Love you, brother.
Kristin & Kenny Justice
February 18, 2018
My Husband Kenny & I are lighting this candle for Anthony. He will be sadly missed.
Kristin & Kenny Justice
February 18, 2018
My husband Kenny and I knew Anthony for many years. We first met Anthony at the Westerville Public Library. We are so sorry to hear about Anthony's passing. We are sending out thoughts and prayers to Anthony's entire family. He will be sadly missed.
February 17, 2018
We are so sorry for your family's loss. He was a true hero that spent his life enriching others around him. He will be missed by many and we are so grateful for his service. Sending prayers for strength and comfort.
Paul and Missy Schooley
George & Susan Nikitenko
February 17, 2018
Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out for the entire Morelli family! I have known Tony since 7th grade. He was a friend and a teammate. He will be greatly missed by all! May God hold him and his family in His hands.
T A
February 17, 2018
Seeing Officer Morelli at the Westerville Library on a weekly basis was a comforting feeling. He carried himself a little differently than a lot of law enforcement I am used to. He had a calm demeanor and that alone made him a likable, respectable and trusting serviceman. Our hearts ache for his family and our community of Westerville. His goodness helped bring out the goodness of the people, not just in Westerville, but in many, many towns across America. God bless you. I hope to see Anthony on the other side. Until then, peace be with you.
Darla Johnson
February 17, 2018
To the Morelli family.
My heart breaks for your family. I feel blessed to have known him, as his hairdresser, and he will be greatly missed.
Good Bless your family
Darla Johnson
Christine DiGuilio
February 17, 2018
There are no words to say how sorry I am for your loss. I have had you in my prayers and will continue to pray that God will give you strength and comfort in the days that follow.
With sympathy and love for you and your family
February 17, 2018
There are no words that I can say how sorry we are for your loss...with sympathy, Kerry & Rocky Kurchak
Debbie Aldridge
February 17, 2018
To the Morelli Family,
So Sorry for your loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May god bless the family.R.I.P. Anthony
Bill,Karen and Chelsea Gallaugher
February 16, 2018
To Linda and your children,
Bill,Karen and Chelsea want you to know our hearts go out to you in this time of your enormous loss and grief. We pray that our Lord and Savior will wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you peace. We lift you and your family up. God Bless all of you.
God brought us their light
Wendy Mechling
February 16, 2018
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
February 16, 2018
In God's care, rest in peace.
Sandi Barnett
February 16, 2018
So sorry for your loss.May God send your family a comfort to help ease your pain.
Barbara Notestone
February 16, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
Rob Barrett
February 16, 2018
Tony and family, our hearts go out to you; may God hold you and keep you.
Rob Barrett
Sandra Nickoli
February 16, 2018
Prayers and peace for your family and friends. Thank you for all the great service your husband and father offered throughout his years as a patrolman. God bless his soul and God bless each one of you.
Karen Saunders
February 16, 2018
I didn't know Officer Morelli but I want to offer my prayers and thoughts to the family and those most impacted by his loss. I cried when I heard what happened. I pray God will give you the strength and comfort your hearts today and always. Forever in my prayers
Evonne Grant
February 16, 2018
Special prayers for the Morelli family and the Westerville PD
Connie Cothern
February 16, 2018
My thoughts and Prayers are with the Morelli family and the WPD at this tragic and difficult time. Thank you so much for your service sir! It's obvious you are going to be greatly missed by so many!
Wendy Mechling
February 15, 2018
Erma Swanson
February 15, 2018
There's a blessing on the way. I remember that this officer came to my son's school why he was young. Now this officer is home with the Lord. Just hold on God always there for you, and your children.
Nancy E Abbate
February 15, 2018
May your family find peace and strength
God Bless you
Your husband was a great officer
Sincerely
Nancy E Abbate
K Sif
February 15, 2018
With sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
K Sif
February 15, 2018
Sincere condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
February 15, 2018
My deepest condolences to Carolyn and Monk on the unbearable loss of your son, and to young Anthony's beautiful wife and children. God bless your broken hearts. JoAnn (Stewart) Riley
You are with God.
Marie Jones
February 15, 2018
Dear Morelli family, I pray God swiftly eases your hearts. I do not know you, I am not a relative or friend or acquaintance . I am a human being, that Officer Morelli, protected, daily with his job. My family is so proud of you, thankyou for your service. If there is a God, I wish God took you quickly and honored you by placing you at his side in heaven. God Bless You.
Lynn
February 15, 2018
God bless, comfort and give you peace. Those of us associated with the blue around the country pour out our hearts to a fine officer's family left behind. Rest in peace, Officer Morelli.
Jeannette Tringhese
February 15, 2018
Dearest Family...Please know that your husband and fathers sacrifice will never be forgotten. I have only the greatest admiration for all of law enforcement...All of you will forever be in my heart. God Bless
Mary Kay Pringle
February 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss! He may be absent from the body, but he is now present with the Lord. Always had that beatific smile! Blessings a prayers to all of you!
Carolyn Nelson-Hall
February 14, 2018
I pray God is bringing peace and comfort to your family along with great people to help them walk through this time of grief. You are a Hero to so many people the many lives you touched and made a difference. R.I.P. Officer Tony Morelli. You are in God's hands now. Sorry but I know he has great plans for you.
Harry Lewis
February 14, 2018
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Morrelli Family at this time of their tremendous loss of Tony. My thoughts and prayers also go out to everyone at the Division that are hurting from the passing of Eric Joering and Anita Barron.
Capt. Harry Lewis(Retired,WPD)
Monique Philips
February 14, 2018
We are so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, son and friend. Our hearts break for you. Thank you for keeping my home town safe for all!
February 14, 2018
PSALMS 121
Jason & Teresa Martin
February 14, 2018
We can not thank the Morelli family enough as they took care of our children for many years. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Our children have great memories of Tony and the times spent with the Morelli family. He will never be forgotten by our family. Always in our hearts.
February 14, 2018
Words cannot express the pain, sympathy, emotions, that come with this tragic event that your family has to deal with. May God give you courage and ease your pain. Anthony chose to serve his community and he gave the ultimate sacrifice to that end. He is a true hero.
I am thankful that I got to meet, know, and work with Officer Morelli.
God Bless.
Jim Whitney, Retired Chief of Westerville.
Jason & Teresa Martin
February 14, 2018
We can not thank the Morelli family enough as they took care of our children for many years. Our thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Our children have great memories of Tony, and he will never be forgotten by our family. He will forever be in our hearts.
Jeff Mitchell
February 14, 2018
While I did not know Officer Morelli personally I have been a long time resident of Westerville and talked with him many times. We would see him at parades or fourth Friday events or just around time. My prayers go out to all effected by this horrible tragedy.
Ken & Joann Saltz
February 14, 2018
Thank you for your service, our condolences to the entire Morelli Family.
I beleive I worked at the old Republic with father Anthony and I beleive Grandfather Patsy. Both wonderful men God be with all of you.
Ken & Joann Saltz
February 14, 2018
Thank you for your service, our condolences to the entire Morelli Family.
I beleive I worked ar the old Republic with father Anthony and I beleive Patsy. Both wonderful men God be with all of you.
Russ Mollohan
February 14, 2018
Rest in Peace to our friend Tony Morelli. You will be missed by so many in our community. Thank you for all the lives you touched.
Russ, Kim and Travis
#WestervilleStrong
February 14, 2018
Thank you for your service. I'm sorry you payed the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect us. We regard you as heroes in life and in death.
Condolences to your family and friends. I salute you sir!
Wayne McCoy
February 14, 2018
It was an honor to have worked with Tony at WDOP 1988-92. A great man, you will be missed. Prayers for family & friends.
Russ Mollohan
February 14, 2018
Rest in Peace to our friend Tony Morelli. Such a terrible loss to his family and our community. #WestervilleStrong
Russ, Kim and Travis Mollohan
Yvoone Robertson
February 14, 2018
To the Morelli Family, May God give you comfort and peace during this most difficult time. Praying that the sweet memories you have of your husband, father, and son help in some way to ease the pain. I am a life time resident of Columbus Ohio and I hope that you know that we appreciate the service your love one provided to the community. God Bless!
Lynn
February 14, 2018
God's Speed Anthony Morelli.
CR
February 14, 2018
Thank you for your service!
The Walsh Family
February 14, 2018
May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Mary M
February 14, 2018
Our hearts go out to the Morelli family during this difficult time.
The Valentine's Lydia and Junie
February 14, 2018
Thank You for your Service and Commitment...
Sharon Manfredo
February 14, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to the loving Morelli family and beloved Anthony's friends and comrades in blue.
Keeping all you angels in loving prayer.
God Bless your hearts and Anthony's heroic and courageous soul.
Julie Smithson
February 14, 2018
Like so many others, I only learned about the wonderful man Tony Morelli was, after his earthly death. It's clear that he had some special DNA, for him to become a police officer and a beloved one at that, in addition to being a husband, father and friend. This world is a better place for his having lived, and whether we met him or not, this tragedy has brought out the best in the Westerville community and far beyond, knitting us together in a way we never dreamt possible.
Blue Rose in remembrance of Anthony Morelli.
Julie Smithson
February 14, 2018
Constance Merritt
February 13, 2018
My hearts goes out to the family, I will pray that god will give each one the comfort and strength you need to get threw the upcoming days!! It is with a sad heart that the world has lost not only a fine officer, but friend, husband , father!!! May god be with each of you, wraps his arms around you and your families!!! With great respect!! Constance Merritt.
I moved to Westerville in 1989. My children went to school at cherrington and Westerville South!! My children and I thought highly of officer Morelli, We are all heartbroken!!!
February 13, 2018
May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Julie
February 13, 2018
This is beyond sad; my heart is broken. To Officer Morelli, thank you for your service. To his family, I wish you peace and wonderful memories. My nephew is a policeman here in Ohio and I can only imagine the pain that you are enduring. My deepest sympathy to you; I'm so very sorry that we lost this wonderful man.
Lucy Hall
February 13, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the family of Officer Morelli. May God's strength and mercy be with you and your beloved. All my love and care.
Martha Murray
February 13, 2018
I did not know the man, officer Anthony Morelli, but I knew the boy Tony. Tony lived across the alley from us and I have so many fond memories of my childhood playing with him and Davey and my brother Dennis along with all the other neighborhood kids. We rode bikes in the summer, played hide and seek when it got dark, went sledding on the hill at OakKnoll Park. I am so sorry for your loss. I know from everything I have read that my childhood friend Tony grew into a wonderful man. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that God grants you peace during this most difficult time.
Mc Gentry
February 13, 2018
God Bless your family.
R. Zavada
February 13, 2018
May you find comfort in this difficult time knowing that many people come together as one to support and stand with you. God Speed Officer Morelli. God Bless.
February 13, 2018
I have never been in Westerville Ohio, I live in Fairview Park. I never met Officer Morelli but I am just so sad and hurt bout his death. He was a very loved person. May GOD bless his soul and help his family.
February 13, 2018
My wife and I went to the high school prom and double dated with Tony and his prom date. I've known Tony since 7th grade and he was always a high character man. The highest compliment I can give him is that Tony was the kind of guy I would want my daughter to marry. Thanks for your service and our friendship, Tony.
May God Bless the Morelli family.
Tim & Nancy Manion, Wadsworth, Ohio
Marianne Howard
February 13, 2018
To all of the Morelli Family,
I did not know Officer Morelli, just a citizen of Columbus, but I am so saddened by what has happened. I just wanted to reach out and tell the family I am praying for them all and praying that God can help family find some peace in this horrific time of loss.
Sam & Nancy Juhasz
February 13, 2018
God Bless the Morelli Family In This Time Of Loss.
B. Shep
February 13, 2018
Prayers for the family and friends of Officer Morelli, and Thank You for your service and dedication to the citizens of the community, you so well protected.
Stephanie Williamson
February 13, 2018
My deepest condolence to the family.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Amen
Ger Martorano
February 13, 2018
Thank you for your service, Officer Morelli.God watch over your family as you have watched over them and all you served. Rest In Peace, Sir.
Linda Harris
February 13, 2018
Officer Morelli has been the perfect professional with his duties and could
always be counted on showing compassion and caring. He was exactly the kind of good man that anyone should cherish. I am so sorry for the loss to his family and the very caring Westerville residents. It is a terrible loss to all. Rest in peace dear man.--Linda Harris
Honey Maier
February 13, 2018
Nothing I can say can ease your profound heartbreak . Please know you are all in my prayer.
Mark and Tara Depew
February 13, 2018
The Morelli family,
May God bless you and your family during this horrific time! Thoughts and prayers to you, your family and the community of Westerville that respected you so much.
Al and Susan Hennon
February 13, 2018
Our deepest condolences! Your family will continue to be in our prayers.
Sandi Douglass
February 13, 2018
No one can possibly imagine the pain your family is facing right now. But I hope remembering the good things Tony did for others gives you comfort. May God bless his family and friends.
Ray & Nancy Williams
February 13, 2018
Our family is so saddened to hear about your terrible loss of such wonderful courageous men. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad and most difficult time. May your memories sustain you through this devastating event. God Bless them for their kind and generous ways.
The Ray Williams Family
Jen Gault
February 13, 2018
I didn't know Officer Morelli, and I'm not even from your town. But I also bleed blue and am sending lots of love and prayers to his family. Thank you for being a true hero.
February 13, 2018
Peace be with you
Trish Tarr
February 13, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your service. May you rest in peace.
The Guiffre Family
February 13, 2018
So sorry for your loss, thank you for your son/husband service and sacrifice. May god help you and your family through this tragic time.
February 13, 2018
God Bless you and your families. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Our heart breaks for you. May our heavenly father give you strength in this most difficult of times.
Paula Campbell & Jeff Roshong
BOB AND CINDY DEMUESY
February 13, 2018
DEAR FAMILY OF OFFICER MORELLI,
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME, AND
CONDOLENCES TO EVERYONE OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND
OFFICERS WHO WORKED WITH AND SERVED WITH HIM.
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
SINCERELY,
Connie Rizos-Guist
February 13, 2018
A difficult time for everyone-my thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of both courageous officers as you honor and say a final goodbye to to them
-may their memory be eternal
Michael Berbari
February 13, 2018
My sincere condolences to the Morelli Family. My prayers are with you in this dark time. God be with you.
E. Smith
February 12, 2018
To the family of Mr Morelli. Words alone can't express the sadness that those who are close to you are feeling for the passing of your dear loved one . May you find comfort in knowing that you have friends to support you at this time of sadness . With sympathy
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Moreland Funeral Home - Westerville55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081
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