Terrence F. Moretti

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.

Obituary

Our cherished Terrence "Terry" Frank Moretti, born on December 22, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on June 30, 2026.

Terry leaves behind his three loving daughters, Tiffany, Tera, and Nicolette, as well as his five cherished grandchildren: Levi, Ethan, Jacob, Amélie, and Bria.

In addition to his devoted family, Terry leaves behind an enormous circle of friends spanning the United States; from Los Angeles and Palm Springs to Ohio and Las Vegas. Wherever he went, Terry made a lasting impression, touching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Terry was born to Frank and Florence Moretti. His father was a respected bricklayer and well-known member of the Youngstown community. Terry was the eldest of two sons and adored his younger brother, Mark.

From a young age, Terry fell in love with music; especially the horn and quickly became what many affectionately knew as "The Music Man." His passion for music was undeniable, often being known to sneaking into clubs at a young age just to be closer to the bands and performances he admired.

After high school, Terry proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he played the horn as a military musician. Following his service, he embarked on an extraordinary career in entertainment. With his band, Terry Moretti & Company, he toured throughout North America, producing elaborate Las Vegas-style shows featuring live music, dancers, dazzling lighting, and unforgettable performances. Culminating in a headlining show at the legendary Flamingo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

Terry’s show eventually became the resident act at Caesars Brookdale in the Poconos Mountains where he also went on to serve as General Manager of Entertainment. Although Terry eventually retired from performing, his passion for entertainment never faded moving him to Los Angeles, where he became General Manager of GMT Studios. Later, Terry owned/partnered in Main St. Studios, where he continued to share his knowledge and love of the entertainment industry until his retirement.

Terry was also a very accomplished songwriter. Among his many accomplishments, one of Terry's proudest moments was having his song “I Had It All” recorded by one of his lifelong musical heroes, Ray Charles.

Above all else, Terry was a devoted man of God. His faith guided every aspect of his life, and he joyfully shared God's love wherever he went. During his later years, he dedicated countless hours volunteering through his church, serving Holy Communion to parishioners. When members of his congregation were unable to attend Mass, Terry would personally visit hospitals and homes to bring them Communion, offering comfort, compassion, and friendship. His generosity knew no bounds, and he never hesitated to help others; even complete strangers.

Terry's warmth, unwavering faith, infectious smile, and generous spirit touched countless lives. His legacy lives on in his family, his friends, his music, and in the many people whose lives he enriched. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

God bless our Terry Moretti.

Gallery

Memory wall

August 8, 2026

Dear Terry~

I can’t believe we got to meet over these last 10 years.
Palm Springs is beautiful and what did happen and what was supposed to happen…even thirty years ago…is god, well… wild, hurtful, and I’m just so darn glad I met you to share time and some few scattered memories together. They are enjoyed for eternity immensely. I wish your soul some divine light, authority, healing, and love from the last couple of years on the planet. But also Summerland and Summerville come through. Clarity.

I cry as I write I’m so sorry to see you go. But pass on to something reverend wild and wise.


With love , care , and heart to you Terri always,


Arielle Cohen aka Ariella C.


I love you.

Arielle Cohen (Ari Lauren)

August 5, 2026

There are not enough words to describe what you mean to me.
There are not enough notes to explain how special you are.
There was sincerely not enough time with you, but I will cherish every moment we had.
Thank you for your time, thank you for your talent, thank you for your generous heart, thank you for teaching me so much, thank you for singing with me, thank you for teaching me how to sing, thank you for so many Godly conversations, for your amazing smile, for your amazing laughter, for the way you made others laugh, for the way you took your time to show us how to be, and to do our very best. There will never be another one like you, and I will miss you every day of my life. I love you, Terry and I can’t wait to sing with you again. Rest in peace, my precious, precious friend.

Candy

August 2, 2026

The Lord has His way of bringing certain people into our lives—this man absolutely left his footprints on my heart——14 of our friends have passed away in the last two years……………..TM my heart literally hurts that you will not be at our table making us laugh…….”save me a place up there, Terry. The best is yet to come!!

Paula Montemer-Nason

July 20, 2026

My husband, Alan Butterfield, and I were so grateful that we were able to see Terry and spend some time reminiscing together at Doug DeSal's celebration of life in Las Vegas last year. It had been about 45 years since we have seen him. We are sad to hear of Terry's passing and happy to know that he is with the Lord.
We have some wild and crazy memories of traveling the country and performing with Terry Moretti and Company from 1977-1979. Alan was the bassist in the group and I came on as a dancer in 1978. Terry gave me my first professional gig and I am so thankful to him for that and for meeting Alan, who has been my wonderful husband for almost 40 years. We had a blast being "on the road" with Terry and Sherry, who made all of the magnificent costumes that Sue and I wore in the show and kept everyone in line, mostly.
We will be out of town the first two weeks of August and will not be able to attend his service but please know that our hearts are with him and all of you that knew and loved him. If any former show members of our era would ever like to call and say hello, here is our phone number, 702-845-9170.
God be with you Terry,
Karen and Alan Butterfield

Karen Butterfield

July 19, 2026

I cannot begin to tell you how much Terry impacted my life in a time of personal struggle. I met Terry at GMT Studios in 2019 and right off the bat we hit it off something about him really spoke to me and he quickly became my confidant. Like others have mentioned Terry never mentioned all his wonderful accomplishments simply giving me great counsel that was backed with faith in God. I believe that is what brought us together, God had a plan, he gave me a mentor. I am so happy to know that Terry had lived a very rich and fulfilling life full of family, friends and love. Terry’s influence made me a better Catholic and just before his passing I was on my way to Prague to visit the Infant Jesus and pray for my dear friend. May God grant eternal rest to Terrance F. Moretti my dear friend.

In Christ,
LR Rangel

Luis Racer Rangel

July 13, 2026

Terry Moretti: A Life of Faith & Friendship

Jane and I rejoice today even as we feel great personal loss, because Terry has gone home to the God he loved and served so faithfully. We will always be grateful for the opportunity we had to pray together just several weeks ago, when we spoke of the power of prayer, forgiveness, love of family, and our shared faith. His life was a quiet testimony of grace; marked by hope, kindness , steady encouragement to Jane and I and a faith that strengthened everyone around him. To know him was to witness a gentle, unwavering devotion to God and to others.

He saved us! He walked humbly, loved deeply and lived with a peace that came from trusting Christ with his whole heart. Though we miss his presence, we celebrate the promise he held onto; life everlasting in the arms of his Savior. He is home! He is whole! His presence remains with us John 11:25-26. “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believe in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die.”

“Terry never talked about his accomplishments to us, only his strong Faith and redemption”

Yours in Christ
David & Jane Petschauer
Henderson, NV

David & Jane Petschauer

July 13, 2026

I was the Bass player for Terry Moretti and Company between 1983 and 1985. My nickname was Mongo because Terry and the rest of the band saw me as the big tough guy that looked like the guy from blazing saddles.

It was a godsend that I was able to join the show as it was a very God given circumstance that I was hired in Pittsburgh PA.

I failed my first audition, but sent Terry a postcard that said to “give me a second chance” and guess what? Terry did give me a second chance

In the nutshell, I grew up and became a sharp young man and musician, and the impact that Terry and the organization made on me was life-changing. He was a great boss!

The stories I have in memories are absolutely epic, and thanks to TM. We could smile and smirk shake our heads and laugh for the rest of our lives.

One evening after a show at the flamingo, in Las Vegas Vegas at Terry and Sherry’s house. He asked me to varnish and paint the inside of one of our trucks. I did it until 7:30 in the morning and Terry woke me up as I slept on the edge of the tire of the truck sleeping and he said Son you have the work ethic of a champion. we love you come on and have some breakfast.

Above all at the end of my assignment with the show, I met my wife, Vanessa and we have been married for the past 38 years with two children and one grandchild

I also went on as a bass player for a large church for 20 years, which was very impactful to me and my family

Terry and and I stayed in touch up until last month. I hate to see him go because every time we talked it was fun, laughter, and many memories.

God bless you boss and remember keep singing your songs

Ron and Vanessa Tranquill
Palmetto, Florida

Ron Tranquill

July 13, 2026

My husband and I wouldn’t be chasing our dreams if it weren’t for knowing Terry. It was through his connection that led us to pause in Palm Springs. His encouragement inspired us to relocate across the country, and his prayers have been our steady anchor ever since. This all began with a trip to Aruba, where our paths first crossed so many years ago.

Terry, thank you for your unwavering friendship, your infectious laughter, and your wild sense of humor. My heart aches knowing that you are no longer a phone call away, yet it overflows with gratitude as so many memories will remain with me always. You illuminated the world around you, my friend. Rest peacefully, you are already deeply missed,

Karen & MIke

July 13, 2026

Message for Sherry or. Mark

Please, please call me in
Youngstown

I am soooo. Saddened to hear of the loss of my
Good. Good. Buddy……

Please one or both of the mentioned—- call me……

330 788-0494

You both know my strong and deep friendship with Terry……..

Call me at you conveinence…….

Soooo. Sorry for our Loss…

Ronnie. Chick

330-788-0494

Ronnie. Chick

July 10, 2026

Some people come into our lives for a season, but a precious few leave footprints on our hearts forever. Terry was one of those rare people.

Forty-two years ago, he started out as my boss, but before long he became so much more—a trusted mentor, a cherished friend, and someone I was blessed to call family. I will always treasure the four unforgettable years we spent on the road together with the Terry Moretti & Co. Las Vegas Revue. Those memories are filled with laughter, music, hard work, and so many moments that helped shape my life.

No matter how many years passed, Terry never forgot my birthday. He was always reaching out with thoughtful texts, warm wishes, prayers, and blessings. Those simple acts of kindness meant more than he probably ever knew. They were a reflection of the generous, caring man he was.

My heart is broken knowing he’s gone, but my heart is also incredibly grateful. I will forever remember how Terry, Sherry, and the girls welcomed me into their family and made me feel like I belonged. That love and kindness will stay with me always.

Thank you, Terry, for your friendship, your guidance, your laughter, your crazy sense of humor, and the countless blessings you shared with everyone lucky enough to know you. You made this world brighter, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.

Rest peacefully, my dear friend. You will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Gypsy Robinson

July 10, 2026

Terry was my cousin and I’ve known him my whole life, but we were never close until maybe ten or fifteen years ago. The thing that struck me about him was his deep and abiding faith in God; a sincere faith, nothing shallow or insubstantial. I talked to him frequently. He was a spiritual mentor to me and he had a tremendous sense of humor. Terry, as you look now upon all of us who knew you, thanks for being the beautiful human being that you were and thanks for making a wonderful impact in our lives.

Ernie Mullins

July 10, 2026

Blessed I am to have called him my friend. Terry and I shared many thoughts, pains, ideas, solutions, and through it all, gut wrenching laughter!
I will miss him dearly, but I will fondly cherish and carry his memory for the rest of my days.
RIP my friend.

andrew cappelletti

July 9, 2026

Our thoughts and prayers with the family.Terry will be missed by everyone,what a great guy he was!Rest in peace. Your cousin Vinnie from Ohio.

Vincent J Moretti

July 8, 2026

Terry was an amazing man he was so kind to my step son Renan and his mother Solange. Are there any funeral arrangements? If so please email me we want to be there to honor and celebrate this beautiful man.

William DeKlerk

Family tree

Other family members

Levi
Patrick
Rea

Grandson

Ethan
Michael
Moore

Grandson

Jacob
Anthony
Moore

Grandson

Bria
Mae
Moore

Grand-daughter 

Ame'lie
Jean
Ruesenberg

Grand-daughter

Eric
Moretti

Nephew

Paul
Moretti

Nephew

Michelle
Moretti

Niece

Kevin
Patrick
Rea

Son in law

Alan
Michael
Moore

Son in law

Remy
Ruesenberg

Son in law

Frank Moretti

Florence Moretti

Sherry
Jean
Moretti
Spouse

Full Name

Full Name

Full Name

Mark Moretti 
Brother

Tera
Monique
Moore

Tiffany
Marie
Moretti

Nicolette Therese Ruesenberg 

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Mark Moretti 
Brother

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Sherry
Jean
Moretti
Spouse

Full Name

Full Name

Full Name

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Tera
Monique
Moore

Tiffany
Marie
Moretti

Nicolette Therese Ruesenberg 

Terrence F. Moretti

Service