Silvio’s Obituary Rochester, NH – Silvio “Sal” Donato Morganella, a hero to his family, first; a patriarch of five generations; most affectionately known as ”Sal”, “Daddy” or “Papa”. Silvio’s older siblings were born in the Naples region of Italy, he was the first of his generation born on American soil to Nicola Morganelli and Fiorinda “Flora” (Mercuri) Morganelli, in Roxbury, Massachusetts on September 23rd, 1928. He passed away peacefully after a long struggle with chronic ailments, at the Rochester Manor, 40 Whitehall Rd.
in Rochester, NH, on February 10th, 2019. Silvio was the last of his siblings to pass, having been predeceased by both parents; his older sisters, Angelina “Tootsie” Molinari, Angela Campo, Theresa Marino, Rosalie Coakley, Levia Russo and his older brother, Samuel; his younger brother, Nicholas and younger sisters, Florence Hutchins and Carmela “Tiny” Cofua. Silvio was also predeceased by his first wife, and mother of his seven children, Shirley Marie (Russell) Morganella.
He is survived by one sister-in-law, Sally Morganelli. Silvio is survived by his wife of 26 years, Pauline Irene (Kennedy) Morganella and his seven children; son, Joseph Daniel Morganella and partner Pamela LeBlanc; daughter, Ronette Paula Ryder and husband Ronald Ryder; son, Jay Anthony Morganella and partner Teresa Johanson, daughters; Jerri “The Fynn” Norton and husband Thomas Norton; Toni Marie Joubert and partner Robert Erickson; Andrea Lee Vieno and husband Brian Vieno, and son, Russell Silvio Morganella and partner Donna LeBlanc. Silvio is predeceased by one grandson, Gregory “Ginkus” Vincent Broom; and survived by 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, with one on the way; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Silvio is also survived by four stepchildren, Pauline’s daughter Linda (Kennedy)White and husband Ty White, sons; Brian Kennedy and wife Judy, and Paul Kennedy and wife Carol, and daughter Debra (Kennedy) Cousins and husband Lloyd; 11 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great grandchildren, and 2 step-great-great grandchildren, having been predeceased by one step-great-granddaughter Gabrielle Kennedy. At 90 years of age, Silvio expressed his life was good, he took care of his family, and he loved everyone. As a teenager, he played tight end for the Roxbury Red Raiders, a youth football league.
He joined the Merchant Marines before finishing school and then enlisted in the U.S. Army with his two brothers, earning his High School GED. Silvio was a bona fide American hero, fighting in WW II and Korea, earning two Bronze Stars among other medals and campaign ribbons. After 8 years of active duty, he discharged, honorably, and joined the National Guard.
Between enlistments, Silvio married Shirley Marie Russell and they raised seven children. Shirley passed after a long battle with cancer on June 4, 1984. Silvio worked as a welder and shipfitter at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, MA, for General Dynamics, along with several part time jobs throughout the years raising his family.
He loved weekend mushrooming trips with his friends and summer camping trips with his family. He was a self-taught history buff, an avid reader with a wealth of knowledge. He had a quick, intelligent wit, keeping family and friends laughing.
In his adult years he also enjoyed playing Dungeons and Dragons with his family and friends and became an avid video gamer concentrating on RPG and becoming a Zelda fan. He also enjoyed playing cribbage, bingo and trivia games with family and friends and taking casino trips with his wife and family members. Silvio enjoyed his life and felt that he lived long enough to earn a celebration.
He didn’t want anyone to mourn his passing; but, rather, to celebrate his life. His wife and children plan a Celebration of Life to be held on March 23rd, 2019 between 1-5pm at the Somersworth American Legion, 45 Washington St. Somersworth, NH; 603-692-9898. There will be a Military Honors Ceremony at 2pm.
Silvio and Pauline had both planned cremations, with a quiet burial together, at a later time, at the NH Veteran’s Cemetery in Boscawen, NH. Care of the Morganella Family has been entrusted to the J S Pelkey and Son/Bernier Funeral Home.
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