Dr. Joseph Theodore Morreale was known among his patients and family as one of the last “Marcus Welby” physicians in Palm Springs.

Like his television counterpart, Morreale established his medical practice when it wasn't unusual for doctors to make house calls.

“If you were too sick to come into (the) doctor's office he would come to your house,” said Bette Morreale, his daughter-in-law.

Joseph Morreale, who moved to the desert in 1971 and served patients in Palm Springs for 17 years, died of complications related to Alzheimer's disease on Oct. 28. He was 85 years old.

Morreale served on Desert Regional Medical Center's credentials committee from 1974 to 1977. He was president of Palm Springs Academy of Medicine from 1982 to 1983.

He remained busy and involved in the community after his retirement. He took on the hobby of needlepoint, lectured at community events and volunteered teaching health classes at Cathedral City and Palm Springs high schools.

“He was the most fun just standing up in front of everybody just talking,” Bette Morreale said.

He is survived by his children, Linda Ferro of Medford, Ore.; Richard J. Morreale of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Joseph T. Morreale II of Cathedral City; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.