Jesse James Morando

Jesse James Morando, 73 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his residence. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Laura (nee Jallo); loving father of Jennifer (Kevin), Samantha (James III), Sara, Elizabeth (Tony), Jesse James III and the late Baby J; cherished grandpa of Kali Rose, James IV and Jaslyn; dearest brother of Elena (Ken) Janowski, Mary (Ted) Mecklin, Dolores (late Steve) Edwards, Frances Tigner and the late Olga Morando, Joaquin (late Bonnie) Morando, Jr., Paul Morando, David (Kim) Morando and Victoria (Jim) Miles; dear Brother-in-law of Louise (late Ronald) Jezuit; godfather of Nikki Morando; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews; best friends to George Saliga, Paul Lampa, Thomas Franciski, the late Walter (Wally) Kowalczyk, Urban Latta and Tim Franciski and his devoted canine companion, “Nester”.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, with the Rev. Jay Nuthulapati of Sacred Heart Church, Whiting, officiating; interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point; visitation at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

Jesse Morando was born on June 21, 1951 in East Chicago, Indiana. to Joaquin and Mary (Gonzales) Morando. A lifelong resident of Whiting, he attended Immaculate Conception school and was a graduate of Whiting High School, Class of 1970. A proud US Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict, attaining the rank of corporal, he was a life member with 50 years of service at the Whiting VFW, Walter Kleiber Post 2724, serving as Post Commander for over 25 years. He served as VFW First District Commander (1991-92) and VFW State Commander (2007-2008). He was a life member of Hammond VFW Post 802, the American Legion, Whiting Post 80, with 45 years of service. He was a member of the Mixtecas Motorcycle Club and was a retiree of the BP Whiting Refinery with 28 years of service. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, enjoyed skating at the Hammond Roller Dome, camping in Michigan with his buddy Chico, at Woodhaven Lakes with family and friends. Enjoyed spending coffee time with his White Castle friends. The family would like to thank the Franciscan Hospice team especially Bridgette, Lisa, Taylor and Josey. Devoted to his family, Jesse will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to be sent to the Whiting High School Marching Band, 1751 Oliver St., Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. 

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