William A. Morano
April 28, 1963 ~ March 23, 2015
Beloved William Morano, 51 years old, is survived by his wife of 23 years, Marti, his six year old son Miles, his mother Leonore, his three brothers Carl, Tom, and Marc, and his two sisters Laura Jones and Lisa Weber. Bill's father, Carl Morano, passed away in 2011. Bill grew up in McLean, VA and attended Langley High School. He was an accomplished guitar player and attended Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music. He also studied under world renowned music theorist and educator Charlie Banacos, recorded with Parliament/Funkadelic leader George Clinton, and led several jazz and blues bands most notably Grilled that provided an opening act for world class artists like Al Di Meola, Johnny Winter, Mike Keneally and others. He taught guitar at Reston Music for many years and was loved by all his students.
Bill was passionate about all of his interests music, animals, movies, and sports -- and always tried to share his passions with others. All who knew him knew he was a true animal lover, from dogs and cats to snakes and turtles, and he rescued many animals in his lifetime. He successfully captive bred Macklot's pythons, an Indonesian species. Bill made it his mission in life to educate people about the beauty of reptiles, especially snakes, and his passion for all God's creatures changed the hearts of many.
But Bill's greatest passion was his son Miles. Bill was totally devoted to Miles and was his primary caretaker while Marti worked. Bill and Miles shared an inseparable bond. Bill took Miles with him everywhere and spent every minute he could with him. Miles was his best friend, his inspiration, his heart. And Miles adored his father. Bill had countless friends who all knew that Miles was the light of his life. Bill touched the lives of so many people and will be missed by all of them. "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Bill's name, the following organization is one that Bill felt very passionate about.
United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK)
"An Education, Conservation and Advocacy Organization for Herpetofauna Promoting Awareness, Responsible Care & Professional Unity"
www.usark.org
USARK is a science, education, and conservation-based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of and trade in reptiles. They endorse caring standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and integrated approach to vital conservation issues. Their goal is to facilitate cooperation between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are USARK's primary concerns.
Send checks to:
USARK Reptile Defense Fund
3650 Sacramento Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Bill was passionate about all of his interests music, animals, movies, and sports -- and always tried to share his passions with others. All who knew him knew he was a true animal lover, from dogs and cats to snakes and turtles, and he rescued many animals in his lifetime. He successfully captive bred Macklot's pythons, an Indonesian species. Bill made it his mission in life to educate people about the beauty of reptiles, especially snakes, and his passion for all God's creatures changed the hearts of many.
But Bill's greatest passion was his son Miles. Bill was totally devoted to Miles and was his primary caretaker while Marti worked. Bill and Miles shared an inseparable bond. Bill took Miles with him everywhere and spent every minute he could with him. Miles was his best friend, his inspiration, his heart. And Miles adored his father. Bill had countless friends who all knew that Miles was the light of his life. Bill touched the lives of so many people and will be missed by all of them. "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
If you would like to make a charitable donation in Bill's name, the following organization is one that Bill felt very passionate about.
United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK)
"An Education, Conservation and Advocacy Organization for Herpetofauna Promoting Awareness, Responsible Care & Professional Unity"
www.usark.org
USARK is a science, education, and conservation-based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of and trade in reptiles. They endorse caring standards, sound husbandry, escape prevention protocols, and integrated approach to vital conservation issues. Their goal is to facilitate cooperation between government agencies, the scientific community, and the private sector in order to produce policy proposals that will effectively address important husbandry and conservation issues. The health of these animals, public safety, and maintaining ecological integrity are USARK's primary concerns.
Send checks to:
USARK Reptile Defense Fund
3650 Sacramento Drive
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Billy I am sorry that you have left this corporal life…but we will remember you as the fun uncle, someone who all the kids could relate to because of the respect you gave them as you schooled them in love of animals, and being loose and having fun.You were really more of a pal than an uncle, and they all loved it Marti was the love of your life and you were hers as well.We all knew how much you loved each other… Bill, do not worry about Marti and Miles They have our family and yours as well, we Will be there for them Your life was shorter than it should have been, but you have left your mark on us all You may not be physically here but you are Still with us. We gather Monday to say farewell , but you will remain in our hearts as the real human being you were. Play on Bill! gene ‘
To the entire Morano family, I am heartbroken to hear of Bill’s passing. He fought hard, now his struggle is over and he’s resting peacefully with our Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May your memories and the love of family and friends comfort you. God Bless. RIP Bill
All the blessings this world has to offer to you and yours. Love, Candy
Morano Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. XOXO, Lisa, Tracy, Erin & Holly
I remember when I first moved to VA and my father was not available to help me with my car. Bill was so helpful by changing my oil a few times and helping out with other issues…even giving me a general estimate so the dealers wouldn’t try to rip me off. He was a good guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Lori, Mrs Morano, Marti, Miles, Carl, Tom, Laura, Lisa and Marc, and all the rest of Bill’s family, may you find piece with God’s decision to bring Bill home. Matthew and Gabriel and I will pray for your family.
I remember when I first moved to VA and my father was not available to help me with my car. Bill was so helpful by changing my oil a few times and helping out with other issues…even giving me a general estimate so the dealers wouldn’t try to rip me off. He was a good guy. I am so sorry for your loss. Lori, Mrs Morano, Marti, Miles, Carl, Tom, Laura, Lisa and Marc, and all the rest of Bill’s family, may you find piece with God’s decision to bring Bill home. Matthew and Gabriel and I will pray for your family.
Marti, Miles, Aunt Lee and Family, We are so saddened by Bill’s passing. It is the great memories of family vacations at Ocean City & visits to Scranton that we will cherish! You all remain in our prayers. With deepest sympathy, Michael, Kathy, Matthew, Ryan and John
So sorry to hear about Bill. Our love and prayers are with you all.
Bill was my musical soul mate brother. Bill Morano helped to shape the sound that my band has today. My friendship with him was one of the best friendships that I have ever experienced in my life. I will love him and cherish the times we shared. FOREVER
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill will always be remembered. Much love, Sherry & TK
I will always fondly remember the beach with my cousin Billy. Every summer when I was a little kid, I would beg all of my family members constantly to take me in the ocean. My cousin Billy was the only one who always said yes to me & took me in. It didn’t matter that he may have just gotten out of the water or that he didn’t feel like going in, he always put others needs before his own. He was such a generous, loving, kind & gentle soul. He will be sorely missed.
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Bill and I worked at a couple of dealers together and he made the job interesting his humor and practical jokes made the job bearable he had a ora that attracted me to we have been friends threw it all even when I moved to sc we kept in touch I will miss my true friend a lot
It is said that the stars that die the youngest are the ones that shine the brightest. Billy had an amazing bright spirit that brought such a brilliant light to this world. He lived life fully and embraced his many passions unapologetically and always enthusiastically. Undoubtedly, his greatest passion was the one he had for his wife and son. Billy will be missed but his life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. “Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.”
It is said that the stars that die the youngest are the ones that shine the brightest. Billy had an amazing bright spirit that brought such a brilliant light to this world. He lived life fully and embraced his many passions unapologetically and always enthusiastically. Undoubtedly, his greatest passion was the one he had for his wife and son. Billy will be missed but his life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. “Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.”
This is still so totally unbelievable to me, Billy is simply gone too soon. My heart goes out to Marti and Miles and all the rest of Bills family and friends. Bill’s loving spirit will be very missed by me.
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I am so glad though, that Marti had such a devoted loving husband and that Miles knew his dad long enough to remember his love for him. Surely Bill’s lessons of respect and honor for all creatures will also influence Miles as he grows into his own person. Thank you Bill for your sparkle. I will always remember our few, but fabulous conversations and debates. Another bright star now lights our night sky. With Love and Respect, Lorraine James
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I am so glad though, that Marti had such a devoted loving husband and that Miles knew his dad long enough to remember his love for him. Surely Bill’s lessons of respect and honor for all creatures will also influence Miles as he grows into his own person. Thank you Bill for your sparkle. I will always remember our few, but fabulous conversations and debates. Another bright star now lights our night sky. With Love and Respect, Lorraine James
My condolences to the Morano family.
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Aunt Aggie & family
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Aunt Aggie & family
Great father husband son brother cousin. Bill was all of these but to me a great friend always there to help or just listen give a kind word or whatever was needed at the time thank you for all you did I am better off for knowing you and will miss you.Marti Miles my prayers are with you.
Skilly, “The Original Sick Unit.” You’re my cuz, best friend, and teacher. Although there will be days I live without you, there will never be days that I don’t think about you. Now go home and get your shine box. . . All my love, Scary (and Jess)
“Because we don’t know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens a certain number of times, and a very small number really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that’s so deeply a part of your being that you can’t even conceive of your life without it ? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even that. How many times will you watch the full moon rise ? Perhaps 20. And yet it all seems limitless” – Brandon Lee
Leonore and family, We are sorry that we are unable to be with you at this sad time. Will remember Bill fondly, and he will remain in our prayers. Sending our love. Aunt Mary and Uncle Paul & family.
I am greatly saddened by the news of Bills passing. He and his family have been in my prayers and now that his suffering is over we can find some solace in the knowledge that he is at peace. I knew Bill by way of friendship with his brother Marc. Bill was always kind and generous with his time. I remember on several occasions pulling my car (or having it towed) into the garage at the Dodge dealership where Bill provided steeply discounted repair services after hours. Having spent his entire day repairing cars, I suspect the last thing Bill wanted to do with his evening was to spend it working on another one. But he knew my situation was desperate and he took the time to help me out.
I have had the good fortune of being a friend of the Morano family for almost three decades. The hospitality they have extended to me over the years is truly remarkable. I have many fond memories of dinners at the Morano household where I was always made to feel welcomed and never left hungry. Bills father would often pile an unsolicited second helping on my plate with the admonishment never turndown a free meal.
To the entire Morano family, I wish there was something I could do or say to ease your loss. The reality is there isnt any. But may I suggest something that may at least provide some comfort. The grief you are feeling now is a testimony to Bills life. Reading through the remarks posted on this forum by friends and relatives, what struck me as most poignant were the remembrances of Bills genuine kindness. Whether it was Bill helping out a poor college student with a broken down car, rescuing an abused animal, or making a childs day at the beach fun, these are actions that speak to his decency.
My condolences to Bill’s family. I knew Bill from school and sports. You knew you had a better chance of winning with Bill on your team. He liked to play middle linebacker and Jack Lambert was his model. He was a high-flying basketball player with a deadly shot from 20 feet. He was the only sophomore in my class to play varsity basketball. I will also remember his youthful boyishness as he individually dissected our pig in biology class. We didn’t get an A but we had lots of fun. My prayers are with the entire Morano family for the loss of this terrific person. Kelly Crittenberger
While I never met Bill personally, I had the pleasure of hearing about his life and struggle through one of his family members and the impact that he had on me, even indirectly, is a testimony to the life he lived and the people who loved him. I had been praying for him and will continue to pray for the healing of his family as they live in his memory.
To Marti, Miles and other members of Bill’s family – my thoughts are with you at this time of loss. You will always remember him for the wonderful person he was. Sincerely, Linda Billings
Aunt Lee and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. Paul, Becky, Adrienne and Michael
My heartfelt prayers go out to Marti, Miles and Bill’s entire family. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Marti more than over 25 years and I know how deeply she loved Bill and what a wonderful husband and father he was. Marti, I hope you find some comfort in knowing how much you and Miles are loved and how much Bill was loved. Reading the memories of how he touched others is a testament to his wonderful life and all too short life.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the entire Morano family at this very sad time. May Bill’s fatherly love to Miles, his passion for music, and devotion for animals become the heartfelt legacies that will sustain us. Your Friends, Nina & Scott Curtis
All my thoughts and best wishes to Marti, Miles, and the whole Morano family. Bill was a force that left us too soon. His spirit will be missed and I know will be kept alive in the memories of all those who had the fortune to know him.
Bill, Today is your Birthday and I’m very sad you are not here to celebrate with all of us. I want to thank you for always being such an incredible big brother to me! We always had such a great bond. Also, thank you for being a great Uncle to Jen and Kellie! I know you are with Dad now and finally at peace. I love you always! Lisa