The Francisco "Pa" Morillo Sycamore Schools Fund
Celebrating the Life of Francisco “Paco” Morillo
April 30, 1954 - November 1, 2021
Francisco Morillo Sr. unexpectedly passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021. His heart suddenly failed him at the ripe age of 67. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Paco's memory, the Morillo family is working closely with Sycamore School District to identify a naming opportunity at Sycamore High School where his name will live in perpetuity. Thus, 100 percent of funds collected from this campaign will be used for this purpose. This GoFundMe campaign will help officially establish the "Francisco Morillo Sycamore Schools Fund" in support of children’s education in his local school district. The family will be sharing updates on the fund during a celebration of life, planned for Saturday, November 13, 2021. Also, a mass in his honor will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 12:00 PM, at St. Margaret of York Church at 9499 Columbia Rd, Loveland, OH.
Paco's Story
Paco was born on April 30, 1954, in the Bronx, New York and grew up on his beloved native island of Puerto Rico. When his father passed away at an early age, Paco became the backbone of the family for his mother and younger sister. In pursuit of better opportunities, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he went on to proudly serve our country during the Vietnam era, followed by servicing in the US Army reserves, as well as the Puerto Rico Air National guard. After his military honorable discharge, he became a hospital administrator at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Puerto Rico. His enthusiasm brightened the lives of many war veterans in need of help in the area of prosthetics. In 1980, he met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Delerme, a medical student from Pennsylvania. The couple married on December 29, 1984, and settled in the Pittsburgh area in 1985, where Paco became a lifelong Steelers fan. Paco worked at the Oakland VA Hospital and retired from the VA after 25 years of service.
In 2003, the family moved to Cincinnati, but retirement did not last long for Paco. He took a position as a school bus driver that he grew to cherish. He quickly realized that he made a real difference in the lives of countless students in the community by “driving kids to education.” Although Paco “retired” from driving four times, he always returned because he felt there was more he could do.
Paco lived a life of service and love for his family and community. He considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. Paco was an avid percussionist, cycling enthusiast, and his love for music and dancing was contagious. He was an extraordinary human being with a light that was able to brighten anyone’s day.
Paco is survived by his beautiful wife of 38 years, M.D. Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme (Dr. Jackie); his dearest children: Yirel, Zoraida Washington (Tim), Francisco, Victor (Sachi), Yanessa, and Marcelo; his beloved sister Lucy Morillo, Esq., and his nephew Israel Nicholas (“Chespirito“).