FERRUM, Va. -- Ferrum College athletics mourns the passing of John Gerard Morabito, a former Panther football and track coach and Ferrum College Athletics Hall of Famer, who passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 70.

Morabito attended Ferrum College before earning his undergraduate degree from Shippensburg State College and a master's degree from Virginia Tech University. He went on to build a 30-year career in football coaching, serving as an offensive line and track coach at Ferrum and The Glen Mills Schools in Pennsylvania.

His coaching career also included time as an offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware, and one season as defensive coordinator at St. Joseph's High School in St. Augustine, Florida.

A 1974 graduate of Salesianum School, Morabito took particular pride in being part of two state championship teams at his alma mater. He was a member of the 1972 championship team as a student-athlete and later helped coach Salesianum to a state championship in 1993.

Morabito is survived by his sons, Matthew and Cory, and their families, including his granddaughter, Winifred; his stepson, Ryan Lord, and family; his brother, Thomas, and sister-in-law, Eileen; his nephews, Andrew and Jose; and many cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 6, from 10-11 a.m. at Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. A service will follow at 11 a.m., with a private burial afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Salesianum School, 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802.

Ferrum College athletics extends its condolences to the Morabito family, friends, and former colleagues during this difficult time.