It is with deep sadness that the family of Ercole ‘Erc’ John Morelli announce his peaceful passing, surrounded by family, in his home on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the age of 92 years. Born in Drumheller, Alberta, Erc started work in the coal mines with his brothers, to help provide money for the family. He worked on farms stacking hay bales for a dollar a day, drove taxi and delivered fuel and furniture. The stories he told us! Erc met Faye, our mom from Wayne, Alberta, getting married in 1955, and started their family. With his wife and two young daughters in tow, Erc followed the rigs, roughnecking from town to town all over Alberta and British Columbia. In 1961, Erc and Faye settled in Red Deer with a third daughter and soon welcomed a son. Erc continued in the Oil Business, selling CP drill bits, and running power tongs with Circle T, eventually establishing his own company, Morelli’s Power Tong Service. His company grew quickly with his brother-in-law, Lenard and the support of engineers and tool pushes from every major Oil Company in the field. These business relationships became personal and lasted through the years. Erc established Red Deer Foundation, a rathole drilling company, and MASC Hydrotesters. His last endeavor was Custom Pipe Handlers, the first Canadian company to provide pickup and laydown machines. Erc and his son, Vince created Tannco, later changed to Pipe Wranglers Western, which was the largest Independent Casing Company in Canada. Dad retired and so began their motorhome days with their dog, Pilou. Wintering in their Phoenix condo, they hosted visiting family and friends, for many years. These friendships developed, were lifelong, and were considered family. We always had music playing in our home. Dad taught himself the accordion. He played “Roll Out The Barrel” and love songs, with us all singing along. With their Italian friends, it was an annual family and friends’ event to make homemade wine in each other’s garages. Dad loved his tomatoes!! Every year a new garden. He golfed all over, including Phoenix, Arizona, British Columbia, and the Oilmen’s Golf Tournaments. He championed to his credit, eight Holes-In-One!! In 1993, after thirty-eight years of marriage, we lost mom. After time, dad and Connie met in Phoenix, with a relationship lasting over twenty-five years, until her passing in 2020. A father figure to many, he will be remembered by all who knew him. Erc leaves behind his four loving children, Roxanne (Mike), Toni (Bob) Trudy, Vince (Holly), his six grandsons, Matthew, Clayton, Nicholas (Danielle), Ali, Michael, Tony and his two great grandsons, Eli and Ethan, who were shining lights and a breath of fresh air. He will also be missed by his sister, Rita in Calgary, Alberta, his sister-in-law, Linda in Airdrie, Alberta and Lenard and Terry in Beaumont, Alberta, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Erc was predeceased by his dear parents, Nazzareno and Margherita, his brothers Marcello, Alfonso, Mario, Rio and his sister, Annie. Dad was a pioneer in the oilfield, a man of his word, and a true legacy of a father. He was our hero. We will miss him. The family would like to acknowledge the amazing care given to our dad over these last few months, Dr Singh in Cardiology and team, the Heart Function Clinic at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, and the home care staff with Catholic Social Services, led by his amazing nurse, Cassandra. A Public Viewing will be held at 12:00 p.m., one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4816 – 55 Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Erc’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2024-02-03
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com