Peter Cottrell Morris, Jr.

Peter C. Morris, Jr. passed away suddenly in his San Jose, CA home on April 16, 2023 at the age of 68. He was the first of three children born to Peter and Elizabeth (“Betty”) Morris. Although Peter was born in San Francisco, he was raised in Fresno, CA. He graduated from Bullard High School where he played his clarinet as a proud member of the “Marching 100”. He was also an accomplished pianist. Peter had a passion for education. He attended California State University, Fresno, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration-Accounting. Afterwards he received a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of Business, and completed his Master of Science in Business Taxation from Golden Gate University. Peter was also a Certified Public Accountant.

Upon completing his MBA, Peter settled in the South Bay Area where he spent a decade working for National Semiconductor as a Treasury Manager, and then another 11 years at SRI International as their Treasury Manager/Director. His colleagues described him as having “an encyclopedic knowledge of treasury functions and of the Cash and FX markets.” They marveled at his memory and ability to recollect the most minute details.

Although he retired from a full time professional career in 2009, he filled his days with numerous local volunteer activities. At the time of his death, Peter was serving on the boards for several non-profit organizations including the Silicon Valley Venture Capital Roundtable, and was also very active in the Bay Angel Investors and US Angel Investors organizations where he served as a Venture Capital Advisor, Mentor and Judge. He was always concerned about his community and was quick to lend a helping hand.

Peter had a love for the performing arts including classical music, opera, and live theater. He was also a student of world history, and enjoyed traveling to museums and historic landmarks throughout the world. Peter had an incredible memory, and would often amaze his family and friends with his ability to recite facts and trivia associated with a variety of topics including history, entertainment and current events.

Most of all, Peter loved his family. He never missed a birthday party, graduation, or family holiday. Peter was a wonderful uncle who would drop everything to attend a dance recital or cheerleading performance. He was a fixture at all family gatherings, and his absence will be felt for many years to come.

Predeceased by his parents, Peter is survived by his brother Mark Morris and wife Lisa of Dallas, his sister Monica Oakes and husband Brian of Fresno, nephew Brian Andrew Oakes of Washington, D.C. and nieces Megan Oakes of San Francisco, and Molly Oakes of Los Angeles.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave, Fresno, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s of Padua, 5770 N. Maroa, Fresno, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Belmont Memorial Park.

Remembrances in Peter’s honor may be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno, 149 N Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93701, or Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, Office of Development, 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Morris family.