Peter D. Morelli

PETER MORELLI
2017 Bishop's Awards Honoree

“Prayer is the foundation and motivation for all that we do – Individually and collectively.”

Peter Morelli was born in Stockton to first generation Italian parents. His grandmother, a Genoan, lived with them, and, subsequently, Italian became his first language. When he was 16 years of age, Peter Morelli started attending daily Mass. He has continued doing so to this day. He is grateful for his Catholic faith which has “enhanced his life” and encouraged his membership in the Serra Club and Knights of Columbus. He also served on the Diocesan Finance Council. Faith also helped him realize what God is going to do through him, and He obviously had plenty for him to do within the Diocese of Stockton.

He attended Annunciation Grammar School, where he later taught for a semester, St. Mary’s High School, where he served in administration for 33 years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007, and St. Mary’s College. He completed his graduate work at the University of the Pacific and CSU Stanislaus. He has made academics his professional priority, but he also recognizes the importance of athletics. Peter started officiating football his sophomore year of college and 2017 marks his 47th year as an official. He has been working as a referee for the National Football League the last 21 years. He also coached CYO basketball for 10 years in the Diocese. He received the Art McNally Award, given to an NFL official who exhibits exemplary professionalism, leadership, and commitment to sportsmanship in 2015. His belief in being “who you are and be that well” has inspired and informed those he works with in academics and athletics.

Peter Morelli has been an educator for 43 years. He joined St. Mary’s High School in 1984 after ten years with Linden Unified. He started his Catholic school ministry as Dean of Boys for five years, then became the first lay principal in 1989, serving for 25 years. He retired in 2017 after three years as President of the school. During his tenure, he made it his philosophy to bring Salesian spirituality to the school community. “We expect our students to reach their full potential. This is why St. Mary’s High School used the teachings of St. Francis de Sales who is a model of civility.”

His advice to young people, who he knows so well, is to continue to use prayer in their life. “Prayer is the foundation and motivation for all that we do – Individually and collectively.” Peter and his wife of 41 years, Cynthia, demonstrate that prayer can also connect us in gratitude as they are grateful for their children Matthew and Daniel and grandson Lucca.