Ron "Spider" Morelli

Ron “Spider” Morelli, 73, of Beaver, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Born on June 2, 1953, he was the beloved son of Eraldo “Slim” Morelli and Adelina “Tillie” (Simoni) Morelli. Keeper of crazy socks, silly ties, funny jokes, and remarkable mustaches, Ron had enough love in his heart to heal the world, and a smile to brighten the darkest of days. He was the best hugger, a gifted optimist, a faithful servant, and his trust in God was unwavering. He faced his challenges with courage and handled his defeats with grace. There wasn’t a person that didn’t know him or know of him through his sayings, like greeting people with a smile and a “How you doin?” and responding to people asking him how he’s doing with: “If I was any better, I would be you!” Ron was a 1971 graduate of Quigley High School. He was active in the theater both during his high school years and after; he was best known for his role as Nathan Detroit in Quigley’s 1971 production of “Guys and Dolls.” Ron had a varied and storied career. Between high school and college, he spent summers working at A&S Railroad and LTV Steel Corporation. After he graduated in 1975 from Edinboro University with a B.A. in English, he entered the workforce as an English teacher at Quigley High School and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. While teaching at Quigley, he directed high school musicals. Following his career in education, Ron worked as an entertainment facilitator at Penn State Beaver, a salesperson at ComputerLand and for US Airways. He spent 27 years working at FedEx and retired as a Senior Network Analyst for FedEx Services before retirement. Ron continued to enjoy many deep and lasting friendships with different groups, including his childhood friends, and his “FedEx guys;” that he enjoyed going out to eat and golfing with. Ron was a devoted son, husband, younger brother, father, Nonnu, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. Above all, he treasured his family and the time he shared with them. He is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette Roma Morelli, who showed all of us what true love looks like; his beloved children, Brandon (Stephanie) Thomson, Ian (Theresa) Thomson, Pam Morelli, Anthony (Brittany) Thomson, Elyse Thomson, and Nate (Francie) Morelli; and his cherished grandchildren, Adia and Liam Thomson, Allison Nichol and Jonah Thomson, Maeve and Maren Thomson, and Isla and Natalie Morelli, who will forever treasure their memories of their “Nons.” He is also survived by his brother, Rich (Janet) Morelli; his nieces, Jessica (Joe) DeMatteis and Amanda (Justin) Morelli-Blanda; his great-nieces, Adelina DeMatteis, Carson Blanda, and Quinn Morelli; and Valentina Nero, Michael (Taylor) Lukens and Brian (Jen) Lukens, and his great-niece Sloane, who lovingly called him “Silly Nonnu.” He also leaves behind many loving members of the Roma Family: Joe Roma, Toni Romano and her children, Sylvia Roma, Beth (Eric) Lohner and Theresa (Blake) Nero and their children, with whom he shared many happy memories. He is further survived by many close cousins, friends, neighbors, and his special cat, Arlo. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Eraldo (Slim) and Tillie Morelli, his brother-in-law, Ralph Romano, his sister-in-law, Angela (Roma) Lukens, his aunts and uncles, as well as cousins and special friends. He was most recently preceded in death by his uncle and godfather, Peter P Simoni. Whether you met him for a moment or knew him for a lifetime, you loved Ron just the same. He was a fierce warrior, a phenomenal singer, a calming spirit, and a solid presence. Ron was a thespian and he loved sharing his beautiful voice with others as a member of the Beaver Valley Choral Society. Ron had a powerful and unwavering faith; he grew up as a member of St. Titus Roman Catholic Church in Aliquippa and attended Mass at Saints Peter & Paul, Our Lady of the Valley Parish. He was also a member of the Holy Name Society and Men’s Group through his Parish. Ron looked forward every year to his family tradition by carrying the San Rocco statue in the parade, which he did for more than 35 years. Ron will always be remembered for his life-long love of Spiderman; there are many who know him simply as “Spider”. Ron left his cape incognito, but wore his heart on his sleeve. San Rocco, countless holidays, and family traditions will never feel the same without his presence, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he’s touched. He will be forever remembered for his generous heart, sense of humor, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. All those who knew him will forever cherish every moment spent with a true superhero. Friends and family will be received for visitation on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11 from 4:00-7:00 at Anthony Mastrofrancesco Funeral Home, 2026 McMinn St, Aliquippa, PA 15001. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 12 at 11:00 at St. Titus Roman Catholic Church in Aliquippa with Fr. Howard Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Though he is no longer physically with us, we are sustained by the knowledge that he is now home and in peace, and his love, memory, and example will live forever in our hearts. We love you more and will forever love him “Bigger.” In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to PANCAN Ron’s name (pancan.org) or to the American Diabetes Association (In Memory of Ron “Spider” Morelli - Fundraising For American Diabetes Association, https://diy-diabetes.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memory-of-Ron--Spider--Morelli)

Ron "Spider" Morelli

June 2, 1953 - June 5, 2026