John Joseph Moretti, 84, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026.
John was born on November 22, 1941, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to John and Carlton Moretti. He grew up alongside his siblings, Julie Justice, Louise Murphy, and Robert Moretti. He attended the University of Oklahoma before proudly serving in the United States Army.
John was first married to his beloved wife, Ruth, who preceded him in death. Together they built a family, raising Mark, Steven, Brent, and David. After Ruth’s passing, John found love again with Terrilea Moretti. When he married Terrilea, he welcomed Michael and Trisha into his heart as his own. To John, there was never a distinction between children by birth or by marriage, there were simply his children. His love was unconditional, and he loved each of them fiercely.
In 1981, John opened Moretti Jewelers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a gifted jeweler and artist, he poured his heart into every custom piece he created. His artistic talents extended beyond jewelry to painting, where his creativity and passion were evident in every brushstroke. His work was more than a profession; it was an expression of who he was.
To know John was to love him. He had a quick wit, a contagious laugh, and a playful spirit that could brighten even the darkest day. His hugs became legendary among family and friends, strong, warm embraces that somehow made every worry seem smaller. He had a way of making people feel safe, valued, and deeply loved.
John lived life with enthusiasm. He loved riding his Harley, taking cruises, and spending time in Cabo San Lucas. He believed in working hard, took great pride in everything he did, and was always impeccably dressed. Whether wearing his signature leather vest over a pressed dress shirt with slacks and polished shoes or creating a masterpiece at his jeweler’s bench, John carried himself with confidence, humility, and style.
Family was the center of John’s world. His home was always open, his advice always available, and his love was never in short supply. Over the years, countless people came to think of him as “Dad.” He never hesitated to welcome someone into his life, offering encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. If you needed someone in your corner, John was there.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Carlton Moretti; his beloved wife, Ruth Moretti; and his son, Mark Miller.
John leaves behind the love of his life, his devoted wife, Terrilea Moretti; his brother, Robert Moretti (Janna); his sisters, Julie Justice (Danny) and Louise Murphy; his children, Steven Miller (Marci), Brent Miller (Julie), David Moretti, Michael Capalety (Jennifer), and Trisha Stutz(Kristopher); his grandchildren, Jeracha Kahnamelli (Ryan), Jessica Eldridge (Jeremy), Steven Miller (Alicia), Candice Archer (Robbie), Kayla Lowry (Ian), Joseph West, Ella Stutz, and Mitchell Miller; and his great-grandchildren, Madison Kahnamelli, Brayden Kahnamelli, Jaxson Lowry, Jackson Miller, Addison Miller, Jameson Archer, and Hudson Archer. He is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends.
Some of John’s greatest joy came during his final days at home. Surrounded by Terrilea, his granddaughter, Kayla, and his precious great-grandson, Jaxson, he found happiness in the simplest moments. Whether they were building towers from blocks, pushing toy trucks across the bed, or simply sitting together, Jaxson rarely left his Papa’s side. If Papa was doing it, Jaxson wanted to do it too. Those quiet moments of love, laughter, and togetherness became some of the family’s most treasured memories and a beautiful reminder that life’s greatest blessings are often found in its simplest moments.
John was many things, a devoted husband, loving father, proud Papa, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and loyal friend. He stood up for what he believed in, worked tirelessly for those he loved, and never let the people he cared about question how much they meant to him.
His legacy is not only found in the beautiful jewelry he designed or the paintings he created. It lives on in every lesson he taught, every laugh he shared, every life he touched, and every hug that made someone feel they could face another day. He showed us that love is not measured by blood, but by the choice to be present, to give wholeheartedly, and to make others feel like they belonged.
Although our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing that John’s faith has carried him home. We can picture him standing in Heaven with that familiar smile, arms open wide, ready to greet those he loves with one more unforgettable hug. Until we meet again, we will carry his strength, his kindness, his laughter, and his unconditional love with us every day.
The world is a little less bright without John Joseph Moretti, but everyone fortunate enough to have known him carries a piece of his light forward.
A visitation will be held at 12:00PM, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, followed by a service in honor of John’s life at 1:00PM, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. John will be laid to rest following the services at 2:30PM, at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.