Henry “Bud” Morello was born in Worcester, Mass on July 19, 1925 and passed away on December 5th, 2005. He was the youngest child of Angelina (Fusaro) and Gieuseppe Morello in a family of eight children which included three brothers Frank, Louis, and John Morello, and four sisters Rose (Belsito), Carrie (Gabriella), Christine (Plante), and Lena (Faler). His parents and all siblings have preceded him in death him but he leaves behind many loving nephews and nieces. He grew up in a wonderful neighborhood through difficult and yet beautifully simple times. He attended Worcester Boys Trade where he was very popular and excelled in baseball, football, and basketball often scoring winning touchdowns and sinking winning shots. As a boy he walked all over Worcester from his childhood home on Fenwood Road to school downtown and then to the boys club on the way home. He was friendly with all his classmates and neighbors and only argued over whether Dimaggio or Williams was a better player.

After High School he joined the Army Air Corps where he was a member of the 15th Air Force 455th Bomber Group 741st division in Italy. As a tail gunner on a B-24 he flew 25 dangerous missions over enemy territory and earned several awards and medals. He never spoke much of his war experience until late in life but was especially excited in the summer of 2001 to be part of a reunion with crewmembers Roland Pepin and Mike “Doc” Daugherty.  This was their first meeting in over 50 years and it meant a lot to Bud as he always carried fond memories of their friendship.

After his military service he attended college at the University of Miami but withdrew after a few semesters to return home to take care of his father. Upon returning, he became interested in engineering, metals, and springs working at several factories and wire plants through out New England.  He eventually took a job as an engineer in Warren, Michigan where he worked from 1963 to 1979 designing springs for the automotive industry. Late in life he worked at Shawmut Bank in Worcester for several years until he officially retired. Bud took great pride in his work and achievements but his life was always more about his family.

In 1959 he met and married Genevieve Y. Provost from Montreal, Quebec. They danced and loved and they had four children. His two oldest sons Henry J. Morello Jr. and Glenn B. Morello precede him in death. He leaves behind a daughter Kay F. Young and her husband Michael of N. Grosvenordale, CT.  He also leaves a son John R. Morello and his wife Kelly of Monson, MA. He was lovingly called Papa by his five grandchildren John Young, Robyn Young, Rose Young, Amanda Morello, and Tiana Putnam.

Bud and family lived from 1963 to 1979 in Warren, Michigan and then returned to Massachusetts where he lived in Millbury on Colonial Drive. The last two months of his life he lived with his daughter in Connecticut. He was a member of the Charles F. Minney Post VFW and St. Brigids Catholic Church. His faith was very important to him and sustained him through difficult times. He always stayed active in sports like bowling and horseshoes but his lifelong passion was golf. He was able to shoot under par on many courses and had a sweet smooth swing that was the envy of his sons. When he was unable to play anymore he would watch every tournament always sure to see if Fred Couples was playing. Whenever family or friends would visit he would be passionately involved in sports on TV and like many New Englanders cried and celebrated with the red sox and patriots. But amidst all of his pursuits and interests his heart belonged first and foremost to his friends and family.

He loved and sacrificed for all his children and was always there to spend time with them, coach their little league games, take them to the movies, or just listen to what was on their mind. Money and possessions were insignificant to him and he was always giving to people and charities. Whenever one of his children asked him for a five, he gave them a twenty. His devotion, love, and care as a father are unmatched and will be sorely missed. He faced many adversities in life including cancer, a heart attack, and the death of two children but he always found a way to keep a smile on his face, faith in his heart, and love for everyone around him. It seemed everyone waived “Hi” to Buddy wherever he went and he would always remember their name as he took time to listen to their story. He inspired those who knew him because despite the hardships he never fell into self-pity and never lost faith in the beauty of this world.  Even toward the end of his life, when times were tough, he would often sing Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World”. His friends and family will always keep him in their hearts. So, in the end, he leaves a very simple legacy. He left the world a better place and made us all better people by his beautiful life and spirit.

Funeral arrangements are through Mulhane Funeral Home in Millbury,MA