Fred M. Morelli

Fred M. Morelli, Jr., 81, passed away January 20, 2023 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Maria; his three children, Mel (Tasha Moss) Morelli, Julianne (Andrew) Heinisch, Leslie (C.J.) Shank; five grandchildren, Andrew, Maria, and Stephen Heinisch, Josephine and James Shank; siblings, Mary Lusak, Madeleine Donnelly, and Michael Morelli. He is preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Fred Morelli, and his siblings, Marilyn Morelli and Katherine Morelli.

Fred received his B.A. in 1963 and his J.D. in 1966 from The University of Notre Dame, where he was captain of the wrestling team. He practiced law for 56 years up until his passing. He also served as a Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit. He served his country in the Army National Guard.

Fred was a loving Husband, Dad, and Papa. He was dazzled by all of his grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved an adventure; biking across Alaska to raise money for AIDS research, and hiking up to Machu Picchu to name a few. He was a skydiving fanatic who made over 1000 jumps, a base jumper, a bicycling enthusiast, an astronomer, a solar eclipse chaser, a classical music devotee, a knowledge seeker, and he loved to travel. He believed in taking good opportunities, being kind to people, taking care of everyone, and always dressing nicely. He was a friend to all. He loved hard work and was utterly devoted to the practice of law. He was fearless and accomplished much by sheer force of will and determination. He mentored many and will be greatly missed. His keen sense of humor will also be greatly missed. He was a philanthropist who was devoted to his local, legal, and world community through the many causes he supported. He sponsored several gorillas through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the family asks that in lieu of flowers you make a donation through gorillafund.org or to his favorite radio station wfmt.com.

Memorial visitation will be Friday, February 3, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake Street, Aurora 630-631-5500.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Gall Catholic Church, 43w885 Hughes Road, Elburn. Fr. Max Striedl, officiating.

Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Fred's family.