Frank Morelli

Frank Morelli, Jr., 93, of Narragansett, RI, passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2024.

Born July 30, 1931 in Providence, Frank was adopted by his beloved father, Frank A. Morelli, Sr. and grew up in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Providence. After graduating from La Salle Academy, Frank served in the 102nd Rhode Island Air National Guard 1951-1953, in Tripoli, North Africa. These were wonderful years for Frank as he was able to enjoy traveling throughout Europe with his fellow service members. They formed a group of lifelong friends who called themselves the Tripoli Trotters. This group happily gathered for monthly card games for decades.

Following his military service, Frank graduated from the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences and worked in Bonanno’s Pharmacy in Providence. He also obtained his pilot’s license as a civilian. He met the love of his life, Dolores Bianco, and together they opened West Bay Pharmacy and raised their two daughters in Narragansett. Treasured by all of his customers, Frank took much pride in operating an independent pharmacy and serving his community with personal care. He loved the dear friends and neighbors he and Dolores had in Narragansett. He is deeply loved by his daughters, Michelle and Lynn. They will always hold dear the memories of their dad taking them to Narragansett Town Beach, waterslide parks, and sledding. Frank loved to play and laugh as much as his young children did. He always kept active — walking, swimming, and riding his bike.

Frank was fortunate to meet his five biological siblings and their families in 1978, and he enjoyed many years and good relationships with them.

In his later years, he and Dolores loved to attend local music performances together and walk along the Narragansett Sea Wall. The two of them were inseparable and always enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Since 2008, Frank’s favorite things to wear were his caps and shirts with “Grandpa” printed on them.

Frank was a man of religious faith and a communicant of St. Thomas More Church.

He will be deeply missed and remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and generous soul.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Dolores Morelli, his daughters Michelle Pullano (Brookline, MA) and Lynn Goodwin (Wakefield, RI), sons-in-law T.J. Pullano and Kyle Goodwin, and granddaughter Elsa Pullano. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Michele Menard, Bianco nephews, Biafore cousins, and Taylor nieces.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 3rd from 10:30-11:30 am in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett, 02882. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am immediately following visitation. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More Church in Narragansett or to a charity of your choice.