John Albert Morrell, 64; Lifelong Stamford Resident; Former Duck Pin Lanes Owner, A Retired Auto Mechanic

From Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home.

John Albert Morrell, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Stamford Hospital on Thursday, June 4, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on January 28, 1951 to the late Guilford and Elizabeth Morrell.

John was a lifelong resident of Stamford, having moved here with his family at the age of 2. He was co-owner of the former Duck Pin Lanes on Hope Street and worked as an automotive mechanic for over 30 years before retiring. He was an avid gun collector who loved repairing and fabricating machine parts. He also had a deep interest in history.

John was predeceased by his brother Robert Morrell, sisters Betty Piro, Lillian Racaniello, Barbara Plunkett, and nieces Shannon Morrell and Bonnie Piro.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary Ann Hamernik Morrell, daughter Stephanie Morrell, brother G. “Buzz” Morrell and wife Gerry of Carlsbad, CA, brother Kenneth Morrell (wife Nancy deceased) Stamford, CT, sister Alberta Hammershoy of Pompano Beach, FL, in-laws Edward and Mary Hamernik, brother-in-law Paul Hamernik, sister-in-law Diane Hamernik, 23 nieces and nephews, 34 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford on Monday, June 8, from 4 -8 PM. A prayer service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 9, at 11 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center, 34 Shelburne Rd., Stamford, CT 06904, or to a charity of one’s choice.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.