William J. "Pop" Morea

William J. “Pop” Morea, 84, of Estero, passed away on January 8, 2021. He was the husband of Therese (neé Henke) Morea. William was born September 27, 1936 in Queens, New York, to the late Fred and Jean (Neé Mongelli) Moreo. He grew up locally and, upon graduating from area schools, earned his Bachelor’s Degree from St. John’s University. In his youth, he worked for his father as a mechanic and that instilled in him an unerring work ethic and the ability to work with his hands. In the early 1960‘s he relocated to Summerset, New Jersey, and began a career in sales. He would also serve as a member of the Volunteer Firefighters, building Summerset Fire Department’s “1” facility. During his service he earned the position of Fire Chief which was a point of pride throughout his life. He also met his wife, the late Phyllis E. (neé Grodin) Morea in November of 1975 and the two were wed that December. He was blessed with a son Geoffrey in 1976 and raised his family locally, relocating in 1989 to Manahawkin, New Jersey. Once he had retired in the early 1990’s he decided to relocate to Florida and, in 1997, became a permanent resident settling in Fort Myers. As his faith was always a major component of his life, he was a Parishioner of Our Lady of Light Catholic Community and served as the Head Usher for the Afternoon Mass for many years. He grieved the loss of his wife Phyllis in November of 2010, yet his faith never waivered. He continued to serve the Our Lady of Light Catholic Community and, in 2011, met Therese Henke and, on February 27, 2017, the two were wed in the very church in which they met. The two relocated to Estero where he treasured every day. William was a man with many passions throughout his life. He enjoyed coaching his children’s little league game and playing golf. He loved woodworking, various home projects, being a general handyman, and held a fascination for tools of all of these crafts. He was also an Honorary Life Member and 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, even serving as Grand Knight of Council #10498. Above all was his Faith, Family, and Friends. William, or “Pop” as he was known to just about everyone younger than him, is survived by his wife Therese (Ulery) Morea. Father to Gregory Morea and wife Barbara of CT, Christopher Morea of NC, Geoffrey M. Morea and wife Melissa of FL. He was a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather to many. He also leaves Ralph Vanluvender and Anthony Evanchik whom he considered his own sons. Friends and Family are invited to a Memorial Mass to be held on Tuesday, January 19, at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Light Catholic Church, located at 19680 Cypress View Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33967. William will be laid to rest following the Mass beside his late wife Phyllis in the Our Lady of Light Memorial Garden.

William J. "Pop" Morea

September 27, 1936 - January 8, 2021