Ernest J. Morroni, 89, of Smithmill died Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Windy Hill Village, Philipsburg. He was born March 25, 1924, a son of the late Paul and Philomena (Gaggiotti) Morroni.
He graduated from the Madera High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army as a Tec 4 during World War II with Battery C 770th Field Artillery Battalion.
He was awarded the Soldiers Medal by direction of President Truman and by command of Major General Craig for heroism.
Mr. Morroni retired as co-owner of the former Morroni Brothers Greenhouse and Florist Inc. of Smithmill. He was a parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ramey.
Mr. Morroni was a member of the Pennsylvania Flower Growers Association and the United Commercial Travelers, Philipsburg. He enjoyed cooking and gardening.
On July 23, 1949 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ramey, he married Irene Zazworsky Morroni, who survives of Smithmill.
He is survived by a daughter and two sons, Tonia L. (James) Reese of Houtzdale, Paul M. Morroni of Spring Mills and Brian J. Morroni of Smithmill; two grandchildren, Susan R. Reese Frank and James C. Reese; and a great-grandson, Chad O. Frank.
Mr. Morroni is also survived by five siblings, Raymond Morroni, Wanda Pearson, Anita Pollick, and Roald Morroni, all of Smithmill, and Amelia Fedorko of Altoona and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Clotilda “Tee” Cornelius.
Friends will be received from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Kruise Funeral Home Inc., Ramey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, at the Holy Trinity Church, Ramey, with the Fr. Zab Amar as celebrant. Burial services will follow in the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ramey. Memorial contribution may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com.