Anthony "Tony" Morreale

Anthony “Tony” Morreale, 81, of Indianapolis, passed away on Friday, July 22, 2022.  He was a gentle man.  Tony was born on May 3, 1941 in Niagara Falls NY to Steve and Anne Morreale.

His boyhood was of the time.  Tony could ride his bike all over the city, played lots of baseball and was pretty good.  He hung out at a sweet shop, delivered papers and with 5 cents and his boys scout card, he could spend every Saturday at the movies.

In junior high, Tony’s nickname was “Crooner” and he played the clarinet.  While in high school, he was Beta Sigma Phi’s representative to the Pan-Hellenic Society of Niagara Falls.  He took first place in the Junior Classic Bowling Tournament and worried about passing English Lit.

When Sputnik was launched and space science fiction stories filled the comics, Tony had an engineering degree in mind……for a while.  But Physical Therapy was his life’s choice.  Ithaca College and his Delta Kappa fraternity years were some of the best of his life and the beginning of some strong friendships.  In fact, Tony would have been at Hilton Head with his brothers in September.

Tony served 7 years with the Coast Guard Public Health Service in Detroit and Staten Island before moving to New Castle, Indiana to open a Physical Therapy Department for Henry County Memorial Hospital.  They gave him the hospital sunroom to start!  In time, with partner, Mike McAtee, they brought therapy services to Rushville and Shelbyville as well.

The years in New Castle were filled with being a dad, as he was ever present for his children.  Tony was a good neighbor and a contributing citizen.  When the birds left the nest, his reluctant move to downtown Indianapolis turned out well because he opened himself to new neighbors and embraced his Lockerbie Square family.

Tony retired in 2006 and began to give his time to tutoring math in the IPS inner city schools.  As treasurer for St Vincent de Paul, he took the calls for assistance with rent and utility bills.  He worked in the SVdP food pantry, sometimes shopping at the Dollar Store to stock the shelves.  Always enjoying his grandchildren and always, always working on his golf game.

Tony is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susanne (Roell) Morreale; his daughter, Marnie Aileen Cole (Bill); his son, Michael Morreale (Alanna); his grandchildren, Nathan, Genna and Andrew Morreale and Carlee, Kendall, Trace Cole; his brother, Steve Morreale; his sister, Joan Marie Bottita (Richard).

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Anne Morreale.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022, from 2:00-5:00PM at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple.  A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Monday, August 1, 2022, at 10:00AM.  Tony will be laid to rest at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery and a big Italian meal will follow at Capri Restaurant.  All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, St Thomas Aquinas Conference and sent to 4625 N. Kenwood Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208.