Robert N. Morelli

Robert “Bob” Nick Morelli, 77, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease acquired from exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam. Throughout his illness, Bob never complained; he viewed his struggles as the price of his service and felt it was simply his duty to serve his country.

Born October 6, 1948, in Ellensburg to Dorothy Mae Barrett and Luigi Nicola Morelli (Louis Morrell), he was known as “Bob” to his friends and “Bobby” to his family, who also knew him by the family’s anglicized surname, Morrell. He grew up in Ellensburg under the care of his grandmother, Leona Barrett, and was raised alongside his aunts and uncles, who treated him as a sibling.

After attending Ellensburg public schools, Bob voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and proudly served two tours of duty in Vietnam. In June 1968, while still in uniform, he married Diane Legg, also an Ellensburg native, in Hawaii. They made their home in Thorp for 30 years, where they raised their four children.

Bob worked for the City of Ellensburg at the Wastewater Treatment Plant for nearly 30 years, earning his state certification and serving as a member of the local Teamsters union. He also managed the wastewater program for the Town of South Cle Elum and taught courses on wastewater management at local community colleges. A dedicated community member, he was a longtime volunteer for Thorp Fire District No. 1 and a supporter of Thorp school fundraisers and activities.

Trading public works for his love of heritage, Bob spent his retirement years sharing his family’s flavors with the community at Morelli’s Cafe, an Italian restaurant he and his wife opened in 2006 at the corner of 5th Avenue and Main Street. As the "face" of the restaurant, he took pride in greeting every guest by name. The business became a successful local landmark, garnering features in Seattle newspapers and Washington tourism magazines.

Bob was deeply proud of his Ellensburg roots and his family’s Italian immigrant background. He maintained warm ties with his Morelli cousins and held a very special place in his heart for his Barrett relatives and their many family reunions and gatherings. He also held countless fond memories of long summer camping trips in the Teanaway with the Legg family.

A prolific builder, Bob’s craftsmanship was evident in everything from treehouses and custom furniture to home additions. He and his wife eventually built a home in Elk Heights overlooking Morrison Canyon before returning to Ellensburg in 2018.

He was preceded in death by his son, Troy Morrell. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Suzette Diane Morelli (Morrell); son Adam Morrell (Natalie Scott); daughter Nicki Williams (Nick); son Jesse Morelli; grandchildren Stephen McHargue, Sterling Mayer, Skyler Mayer, Joshua Morrell, Zachary Morrell, Cody McHargue, Blaekly Williams, and Londyn Williams; cousin Doreen Morelli-Strickland; brother-in-law Jim Legg; grand-niece Caitlin Christie; aunt Rose Volner; aunt Anna Barrett and many loved cousins.

At Bob’s request, no formal services will be held. Military honors, including the folding and presentation of the United States flag to his wife, will be rendered in a private ceremony conducted by the U.S. Army. A grave marker will be placed at the Ellensburg IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s honor are suggested to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com