Richard J. Morelli, a longtime Norwich resident, dedicated three decades of his life to Chelsea Groton Bank. Rich joined the Bank in 1991 as the Audit Department Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience from other financial institutions across Connecticut. Over the years, Rich moved to the Accounting Department, steadily rising through the ranks to become Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President—a role he held until his retirement in 2021. He continued to consult with the Accounting department following his official retirement. His love for Chelsea Groton Bank was evident in every decision he made, always putting the institution first. When he suddenly passed in December 2023, he left a legacy of leadership, laughter, and love for both his community and colleagues.
Rich was more than just a financial expert. He was a vibrant presence in the Bank, known for his unmistakable laugh that could be heard echoing down the hallways. Though he wasn’t the most skilled golfer, he played with a passion and joy that made every round memorable. Rich was also deeply committed to the community, serving on numerous local nonprofit boards and making a lasting impact.
What truly set Rich apart was his genuine care for people. He had a remarkable ability to make others feel like family, taking a personal interest in their lives and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.
In honor of his memory, Rich’s sister, Judy Morelli—a retired teacher—made a generous donation of $100,000 to the Chelsea Groton Foundation. Her heartfelt gift established the Richard J. Morelli Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to students from area schools who have an interest in pursuing a business degree in college. Judy shared that she strongly believes Rich would have wanted his legacy to benefit the community he loved so dearly.
This year, the $5,000 scholarship was awarded to Amy Zhang, a graduate of Norwich Free Academy (NFA), where Rich had served as a long-time board member. Amy will be attending Boston University to study finance and business—an inspiring continuation of Rich’s passion for the field.
Through this scholarship, Richard J. Morelli’s spirit of generosity, mentorship, and community service lives on, empowering future generations to follow in his footsteps.
