Rocco Vincent Morando, 95, of Bellefontaine, OH, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 21, 2023.
Rocco was born on August 19, 1927 in Martins Ferry, Ohio to the late Dominic and Elizabeth (Diorio) Morando. Also, preceded in death by brothers: Tony Morando, Peter Morando, Dominic Jr. Morando, Michael Morando, Geno Morando, John Morando; sisters: Judith Howell, and Patricia Morando. Rocco was married for 69 years to Theresa (Paluch) Morando who survives him. He is also survived by brothers Robert Morando of Tipp City, Ohio, and Richard (Barbara) Morando of Medina, Ohio; sister: Evelyn Culmbacher of New Martinsville, Ohio; their six children: 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 (Scott) Ritter of Wesley Chapel, FL, fourteen wonderful grandchildren: 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 Morando, Joseph Morando, Jameson Ritter and Mitchell Ritter; thirteen great grandchildren.
Rocco grew up in Martins Ferry, OH, upon graduation from Martins Ferry High School he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. After returning to the Navy Reserves was called back to serve in the Korean War. Shortly after being discharged, he married his wife Theresa and resided in Yorkville, OH where he was an active member of the Volunteer fire department. Here he established a successful emergency medical service.
Shortly after in 1965, he accepted a position at The Ohio State University, in the department of Trade and Industrial Education. In this roll he was Ohio’s new consultant coordinator for emergency rescue squad training.
In 1970, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians was established following the recommendation of a task force assembled under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Committee on Highway Traffic Safety. Morando was selected as the National Registry’s founding executive director in 1971 and held that position for nearly two decades.
During his career at the National Registry, Morando oversaw a number of accomplishments, including: the first basic NREMT-A examination administered simultaneously to 1,520 ambulance personnel at 51 test sites throughout the United States (1971); the first recertification of Nationally Registered EMTs based on re-evaluation of skills (1973); the development of the first national paramedic curriculum in conjunction with leading EMS agencies and the University of Pittsburgh (1976-77); and the first NREMT- Paramedic examination (1978); the development of the first NREMT-Intermediate curriculum and examination (1980).
Upon his retirement on December 31, 1988, Morando was honored with a celebration attended by hundreds of friends and representatives from national EMS organizations. The National Registry’s headquarters in Columbus, Ohio was renamed the Rocco V. Morando Building that same year.
The Rocco V. Morando Lifetime Achievement Award, named in his honor, recognizes a lifetime of commitment, contributions, and leadership to Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The award is presented by the National Association of EMTs and is sponsored by the National Registry.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our organization’s founder,” Bill Seifarth, the current executive director of the organization announced to his staff and board this afternoon. “Rocco Morando was a luminary in the EMS profession and was instrumental in helping shape the lifesaving system we know today. His legacy will continue to provide inspiration for years to come, and we are grateful for his contributions.”
Upon retirement, Rocco took up golf, traveled with his wife, enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family. He will be lovingly remembered for his love of music and storytelling.
Visitation will be February 24, from 5 to 7pm at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 321 N Main St, Bellefontaine, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 25, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 E Patterson Ave, Bellefontaine, Ohio. There will be a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions made to St Patrick Catholic Church, 316 E Patterson Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford 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.edsfh.com.
