Obituary of Robert Morell

Robert Eugene Morell of Grand Island, NY went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 6, 2007, after a courageous battle of cancer.� He was born in Lockport, New York on December 8, 1932, the son of the late Josephine (Gullo) Morello and Samuel Morello. Morell was a masterful real estate developer in Lockport where he joined the Niagara Frontier Association of Realtors in1959 and served a term as president. As the broker-owner of Hub Real Estate, Morell was one of the first developers to bring new apartment rentals to Lockport in 1968 when he designed, built and managed over 200 apartments including the Villager Apartments on South Street. During his successful career, Morell installed three streets in Lockport - Remick Parkway East, Autumnvale Drive and Bob-o-link Lane. He did extensive appraising work for the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), revitalized and made Lowertown a place people wanted to live again with his apartment communities Packet Square and 317 Market Street. He also acquired 140 East Avenue in 1983 and rehabilitated 195 Locust Street after it was nearly destroyed by fire in 1972 bringing it back to life and adding six new apartments of his own design. Morell further expanded his real estate interests in the 1970&amp;#39;s by acquiring Southwest Abstract &amp; Title Company. He also developed commercial properties in Lockport at 131 East Avenue where he combined two single family homes into one office building, the Chestnut Street Laundromat and Frank&amp;#39;s Deli on West Avenue and in Orlando, Florida at 7215 E. Colonial Drive. In his retirement, Morell became an avid golfer and lended his land development expertise to the Lockport Town and Country Club golf course renovation project where he was a member. He was also a member of Niagara Falls Country Club and Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando, Florida. A 1951 graduate of DeSales Catholic High School, Morell went on to Niagara University before serving in the United Sates Army stationed in Germany from 1955-1956. He was a member and usher at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Morell was a skillful pilot holding a commercial license, multiple engine rating and instrument rating graduating from Georgia Aeronautical Institute. He was also a member of the Tuscarora Club of Lockport NY, the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Assembly of Lockport�, USABDA (United Sates Amateur Ballroom Dancing Association) and the Amherst Dance Club. Known by many for becoming an expert in his other interests as a fisherman, hunter, racquetball player, baker, cook and ballroom dancer. � Beloved husband of Diane (Palkowska) Whitmore of Grand Island.� Devoted father of J. Suzan (Charles) Ben of Lockport, NY, Maureen Morell of Orlando FL, Monica Morell, Ph.D of Andover, MA, and Nancy (Philip Tasselmyer) Morell of Pendleton, NY. Stepfather of Lynn (R. Keith, D.O.) Felstead and Rev. William (Amie) Whitmore of Clifton, VA. Cherished grandfather of Stephanie Ben, David Ben, Andrew Tasselmyer, Sophia Tasselmyer, Isabella Morell, and Alfonso Morell. Stepgrandfather of Gregory Felstead, Bryan Felstead, Kirk Whitmore, Acacia Whitmore, Denielle Whitmore. �Morell is also survived by his sisters Betty (Raymond) Cheney of Orlando, FL and Dorothea (late Clark) Brown of Lewiston, NY and aunts, nieces and nephews. � � Friends may call Thursday, October 11, 2007, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Prudden &amp; Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport where prayers will be offered Friday morning at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM� in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut Street,� Lockport. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport. Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Good News Jail &amp; Prison Ministry, Fairfax Adult Detention Center, Attn: Chaplain Whitmore, 10520 Judicial Drive, Fairfax. VA 22030 would be appreciated b the family. <h3>Visitation</h3> Visitation Times