January 17, 1932 - May 22, 2021
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, nonno and uncle Tony on May 22, 2021 at Poplar Ridge Pavillion in Trail, BC, surrounded by his loving family. Tony was born on January 17, 1932 in Pescina, P. Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy, to Vincenzo Morelli and Anna Salsiccioli. He was the last surviving sibling of seven children.
Tony worked at Teck, primarily in the Foundry, retiring at age 58 after 30 years of service and took great pride in his work there. He enjoyed gardening, winemaking, hunting, bocce, singing in the Italian Choir and even dabbled in curling for a few years.
Above all else, making people laugh with his endless jokes was one of his favourite things. Tony was a proud Canadian citizen and happy for the life he had here and the life he was able to provide for his family.
He was also just as proud to be Italian and enjoyed celebrating the customs and traditions through his involvement with the Colombo Lodge and his many friends and their families.
He was a very active member of the Colombo Lodge where he volunteered much of his time organizing banquets, managing the bar and in the later years on the sick visiting committee. He spent over 60 years on the executive. Many who had wedding receptions at the Colombo Hall during the 70s to 90s, would remember him behind the bar.
He never missed a lodge meeting or event and was also as dedicated to the Trail Smoke Eaters, never missing a game for over 50 years. Also, the hockey games was where the 3 amici would have 3 coffee, not too full. His walking trips to town consisted of many stops to visit friends.
He would also make a few trips per day to Ferraro Foods, where he would buy a few things each trip, because socializing was the main goal.
Left to mourn his passing; his loving wife of 63 years Nancy; his children Norma (Scott) Page and Pietrina (Bruce) Colussi, his grandchildren; Michael (Bailey), Andrea, Matthew (Jill), and Adam (Hayley); his great grandchildren - Harrison, Beckett, Olive and Charlie. Tony is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Nelia, Maria and Assunta and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters and their spouses, 3 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in- law and his nephew Vince and niece Anna.
Thank you for teaching us the meaning of a simple, uncomplicated way of living where hard work, kindness and generosity are important and family is everything. Thank you for teaching us that having a zest for life is truly a wonderful way to live and "it's always better to laugh than to cry".
The family would like to thank the staff at Poplar Ridge for their care and support of our beloved Tony during the last few months.
A private family service was held. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Tony's name may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1, or www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services