Gary Louis Morella, 78, of Lemont, passed away peacefully at Geisinger Medical Center on August 14, 2025.
Born Sept 13, 1946, in Pittsburg, KS, he was the son of the late Louis and Regina Morella of Pittsburg, Kansas. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Margaret, three sons, Craig of Catlettsburg, KY., Kevin of Scott Depot, WV., and Colin of Boise, ID. Granddaughters Paige, Cailey, Braelyn, and grandsons Gavyn and Aidyn. His dog, Pumpkin, was his special buddy.
He was a member of the Naval Security Group Command during the Vietnam War from 1968-1972 doing fleet support for the Navy and Marines. He received a Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics with a minor in physics from Pittsburg State University of Kansas. He earned a Master of Engineering in Acoustics from Penn State and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell CT.
Gary worked various engineering positions with companies such as Texas Instruments, Gulf Oil, HRB Singer (Raytheon), and the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University, where he retired after 25 years of employment.
Gary enjoyed a variety of music, especially baroque, classical, and chamber works. He was a clarinetist, having played in high school, college marching and symphonic bands and orchestras, and was a former member of the State College Municipal Band.
He had an avid interest in military history, and was a cannoneer Civil War reenactor with Battery B 3rd Pennsylvania Volunteers Light Artillery out of Boalsburg, participating with his wife Margaret in many reenactment living histories to include the 135th Anniversary events at Antietam and Gettysburg.
Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved family gatherings and Notre Dame football. His Catholic faith was of great importance to him and he authored many articles in various catholic publications. Later in life, he enjoyed walks with his dog, Pumpkin, and feeding the wildlife around his yard.
Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:00am. Interment will be at Boalsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the: Fr. Beiting Appalachian Mission Center at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZGG2/home
Online condolences may be shared at www.kochfuneralhome.com