A Teacher Who Never Hid From His Students

John Morelli died Wednesday at his home in Chilmark, just a few short miles from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School where he taught English for nearly half his life.

He loved the drive to work each morning, past the West Tisbury Congregational Church, Alley’s General Store and the Mill Pond, especially during this time of year. The cold, clear fall air — mixed with a cup or two of coffee — energized him for another day of teaching, inspiring and being inspired by his students.