George Philip Morris

George Philip Morris passed away at home surrounded by his family on January 21, 2015. George was born in Springfield Massachusetts and was the son of Charles Nicholas Morris and Elizabeth Melia Morris. George grew up in the “hungry hill” section of Springfield Massachusetts and was very proud of his Irish heritage. George played football with the Acorns in Springfield and was a big sports fan his whole life. George graduated from Putnam High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1943 where he served aboard the USS Davis in the North Atlantic where he was part of the D Day operation.

In 1947 George married the love of his life, Mary Eileen Daly and they had an unbelievable relationship throughout 68 years. They were husband and wife but also best of friends and were role models to their extended family and friends.

George returned home from the war and went to work for New England Telephone as a Cable Splicer. He was later promoted and transferred to Worcester as a Foreman. He was promoted again to Plant Manager and transferred back to Springfield. He then had assignments in Marlborough and received his last transfer to Yarmouth where he completed 38 years of service in the mid 80’s. This last transfer was a dream come true for George and Mary who wished to spend their retirement on the Cape.

Upon retirement George started to volunteer with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Trinity parish in Harwich. There he met a number of like-minded volunteers and under the guidance of Father Gabriel Healy, George, Denny Duggan, Bob Murray and Vinnie Walsh started what is now known as The Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Little did we know George found his true calling in life. They started by selling food coupons and collecting can goods and bottles to return for a nickel in the back of the church on Sunday in the 80’s. This volunteer effort grew to the point that it has its own building fully paid for and the pantry is run by dedicated volunteers who provide food to 1200 families a month.

As one of the founders of The Family Pantry of Cape Cod in1989, George served as President, General Manager, Director and Warehouse Manager until a few years ago when heart surgery slowed him down. George received many awards for his hard work including: Presidential Volunteer Award from Nynex, the Marian Medal from Holy Trinity Parish, Cranberry Festival Grand Marshall, Harwich Board of Selectmen Award, Harwich Council on Aging Volunteer of the Year with citations from Representative Sarah Peake, Senator Dan Wolf and U.S. Representative William Keating, Barnstable County’s Human Rights Commission’s Cornerstone Award which he shared with his wife, Mary. George also received the Family Pantry of Cape Cod’s President’s award and was awarded the title Director Emeritus in 2013.

George leaves his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Eileen Daly Morris and his son Stephen and his wife Karen Morris of Shrewsbury MA and his daughter Mary “Beth” and her husband Robert Anderson of Harwich MA. George also leaves his grandchildren; Patricia Morris Berlack and JT Berlack of Amherst NH, Thomas Morris of Boylston, MA, Kristen Anderson Heller and her husband Christopher Heller of Holliston, MA and Daniel McCarthy of Somerville MA and North Conway NH. George also leaves 4 great grandsons: Ian, Louis & Carl Berlack of Amherst NH and Anderson Heller of Holliston MA. George also leaves his brother in-law and his wife, Joseph & Jeanette Daly and sister-in-law Elizabeth Daly of Laconia NH. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and friends and he treasured them all. Three very special friends are Denny Duggan, Helen Marsden & Father Gabriel Healy.

George was predeceased by his infant son Richard Morris and his three brothers, Charles N., Andrew S., and Thomas E. Morris. He was also predeceased by his son-in-law James McCarthy.

George was a member of the Elks in Springfield as well as the Lions where he was Lion of the Year in Longmeadow. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Worcester.

The family would like to thank the Harwich Fire Department for their kindness in assisting George as his health declined. We would also like to thank the many Nurses, Caregivers and Doctors who have assisted George especially the VNA of Cape Cod and most especially Lucy, Maureen & Mary. The care he received in his declining years was unsurpassed and kept him as vibrant as he could be. George was a true giver and was given much back by those who helped us care for him thru his health issues.

Visiting hours will be Friday night January 23rd from 4-7PM at Doane Beale & Ames, Rte 28 in West Harwich and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday January 24th at 11AM at Holy Trinity Church, Route 28, West Harwich.

The Family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to The Family Pantry of Cape Cod, 133 Queen Anne Road, Harwich, MA 02645