Joe Morello

Joe Morello On September 3, 2010 Joe Morello passed from this life surrounded by his family. Having enjoyed 80 years of family, business, sports, and golf, Joe succumbed after a hard-fought battle with multiple myeloma. A gentleman, a man of integrity, honesty, kindness, and generosity, Joe is survived by the family of which he was so proud - his wife (Augie) of 58 years, his children and their spouses (Linda Morello and Javier Gomez, John and Heather Morello, Joe Morello and Trish Breslin), 4 grandchildren (Catherine, Hannah, Matteo, and Anna Morello), cousins and family, and his beloved dog, Tuffy. Joe, son of Maria and John Morello of Mill Valley, lived 77 years of his life in Marin County. He graduated from Park School and Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, and he earned an AA from the College of Marin. A great athlete, Joe was co-captain of his schools' baseball teams and a member of the Jr. Seals. He was a co-founder of the Southern Marin Little League and he coached numerous Little League and C.Y.O. basketball teams. A dedicated fan of the 49ers (season ticket holder) and the Giants, Joe enjoyed both playing and watching sports. The day after Joe married Augie, IJ columnist Jim Gilmartin wrote "Tiburon third sacker Joe Morello didn't show up for his team's game yesterday. Joe was too busy - getting married. The new auxiliary third sacker is the former Augie Perry." And, Joe loved golf, playing several times every week and planning his calendar around his golf games. Joe's great passion was the business in which he co-partnered with the Canepa family - the Mill Valley Market. Both Jim and Bob Canepa were respected and beloved business partners and friends with whom he shared 35 years in business. As the produce buyer at the Mill Valley Market, Joe dedicated himself to bringing the freshest and best produce to his customers and in meeting their special wants and needs. He took pleasure in learning everything he could about fine foods and wines and sharing that with family, friends, and customers. No one could barbecue a steak or prepare a crab dip quite like Joe. At his 50th wedding anniversary, he remarked that he was "the luckiest man in the world" - he had had a business, a wife, and a family he loved. Joe was a member of numerous organizations (SIRS Branch 47, Italian Catholic Federation, Italian Athletic Club). He dedicated his time to his children's schools and to his parish. He enjoyed many friendships - other gentlemen who shared his love of sports, enjoyed his company, and supported him during these past two years of declining health. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Joe and his family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of the Greenbrae Care Center for their extraordinary and compassionate care. And, Joe held his physicians (Dr. Robert Van Herick and Dr. Bobbie Head) in the highest esteem. He valued and respected their care and treatment. Joe Morello was laid to rest in a private burial on Friday, September 10, 2010. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebratory service to be held on Saturday, October 9, beginning with a 10:00 AM Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 3 Oakdale Ave., Mill Valley. Remembrances may be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the charity of one's choice. In his memory, kiss your wife, hug your children, love your work, and eat a wonderful meal of fresh foods and fine wine. Arrangements by ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952. Cheda & Lyons - DIRECTORS 415-883-8070