Theresa M. Morando

With heavy hearts and immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Theresa Marie (Paluch) Morando, age 96, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, who left this world peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Theresa was born on September 16, 1929, in Weirton, WV, to the late Stanley and Catherine (Sagan) Paluch. Also, preceded in death by brother: Edmond Schodzinski; sisters: Sister Mary Rita Schodzinski, Marie Pitchford, Stella Ruszkowski, Bernice Pirro, and Rose Grossi. She is survived by one sister: Dolores Bandish. Theresa was married to the love of her life, Rocco for 69 years, who preceded her in death. She is survived by six children who she loved and adored: Cindy (Tobe) Riedel of Westerville, OH, Marianne (Gene) Ferraro of Roswell, GA, David (Sharon) Morando of Shawnee, KS, Catherine (David) Brooks of Dublin, OH, Rocco (Martha) Morando of Simpsonville, KY, and Renata Ritter of Tampa, FL. Also, her fourteen grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Sean (Jill) Gulick, Andrew (Jovanna) Gulick, Geno (Gina) Ferraro, Cara (Frank) Engle, Cathleen (Kevin) Clark, Rocco Morando, Daniel (Lindsey) Morando, Matthew Morando, David Morando, Leslie (Bill) Weber, Christopher (Kayleigh) Morando, Joseph Morando, Jameson Ritter, and Mitchell Ritter; fifteen great grandchildren.

Theresa grew up in Weirton WV, and upon graduating from Weirton High School she went to work as a telephone operator for the C & P (Chesapeake and Potomac) Phone Company.

In 1953, she married Rocco V. Morando, and together, they shared 69 years of a beautiful, fulfilling life. Together, they made their first home in Yorkville, OH, raising their six children.

In 1965, the Morando family moved to Columbus, OH. Here Theresa created a beautiful and gracious home which was comfortable for her growing family. While Rocco adjusted to a new career which included quite a bit of traveling, she devoted all her time and energies to her children. As a proud mother of her six children, she built a home rooted in a strong faith, love, and laughter. Important to Theresa was the daily gatherings around the kitchen table for family meals. Here the memories were made and treasured.

In 1971, when all the children were secure and busy in school, Theresa went to work alongside her husband, Rocco, at the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. For the next twenty-one years, Theresa was devoted and committed to supporting her husband, with his passion and dedication to the growth of the National Registry of EMT. Throughout this time, she and Rocco were fortunate to travel throughout the United States, and the world.

In 1992, Theresa retired from working to devote her time to the enjoyment of her grandchildren. She delighted in her role as ‘Grammy’, a name her grandchildren lovingly called her. Her arms were always open, her smile always welcoming, and her love - steady, unconditional, and everlasting

In 1996, Theresa and Rocco built their forever home in Bellefontaine, OH. It is here where Theresa made beautiful lifelong friendships. She welcomed all who walked through her door with much love and grace. A cup of coffee, or if it was happy hour, a glass of wine, was always offered and shared. She was known not just for enjoying the friendships but being a good friend as well. She cherished her friendships. She was a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, and here she made everlasting friendships. Dear to her were the special friends who, in her later years, lovingly brought the mass and communion to her home each week.

As the years progressed, and the great grandchildren began to arrive, Theresa was overjoyed as each little one filled her with a renewed sense of wander, gratitude and love. To Theresa, every great-grandchild was a precious blessing, and she welcomed each of them with an open heart. She made room in her heart for each new addition to her family, enjoying babysitting, traveling to visit, cooking with, playing cards together, and building puzzles. Theresa delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, if not more, than she delighted in raising her children.

Theresa’s life was beautifully well-lived. She was loved and adored by all. Even in her later years, she continued to express how grateful she was to have lived a long life full of wonderful experiences, as well as a loving family, many good friends, and compassionate caregivers.

A very special thank you to Theresa’s caregiving team: Christina Horsley, Christina Faulk, Tammie Devine, and Angela Lemaster. These caring women took exceptional care of Theresa and she loved them each very much.

Though our hearts ache, we take great comfort knowing she is reunited with those she loved who went before her. Her spirit lives on in the stories she told, the traditions she passed down, and the love she instilled in each of us.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally loved.

Visitation will be December 4, 2025, from 5-7pm at Eichholtz & Daring Funeral Home, 321 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 10 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 316 E. Patterson Ave., Bellefontaine, OH. There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions made to St Patrick’s Catholic Church, 316 E Patterson Ave., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Morando family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

Family authored obituary / EJT