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George William Morell
George William Morell
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George Morell Obituary
At a Giants playoff game last year, George Morell introduced himself to the legendary halfback Frank Gifford, without knowing who he was. Even when Mr. Gifford said his own name, Mr. Morell still did not know. When his friends ribbed him, Mr. Morell replied, "Well, he didn't know who I was either."
Mr. Morell, 47, a bond broker at Cantor Fitzgerald, was the kind of man who shook hands with strangers and made them his friends. It did not matter if they were celebrities or not. "George made the shoeshine guy feel like a million bucks," said his younger brother, Mark. "He didn't collect cars or postage stamps. He collected friends."
The elder Mr. Morell lived with his wife, Roberta, and their children, Nancy, George Jr., Kelsey and Harrison, in Bedford, N.Y. He liked to hunt and fish, and often took his family along. But his favorite pastime was telling stories about his encounters with life. He always had just one more to tell.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Marie (Ahern) Arel NU Class of 1974
September 11, 2024
I remember the first time I met George. We were sitting across from each at the IR (the local bar) and I was introduced as one of the newest members of the Class of 1974. His smile was captivating and everyone just wanted to be a part of that joy. He was always so kind and gracious to me and would always say hi and smile when we would pass each other on the way to class. Every September 11th since 2001, his face flashes in front of me and I smile and I know he is in Heaven watching over his wife and children. I will forever remember him and his infectious smile.
Maya Carson
January 9, 2020
Opening a drawer of an old nightstand in our new home in central Arizona, I found an old bible. Tucked inside the bible was this memorial to George Morrell. I was instantly struck by the genuine smile and kind spirit of this man. I do not know him, or his family, but he has made an impact on me, just by appearing on this little card. I am so glad I looked him up and learned a little about him. I am reminded of the blessing and miracle that is life, and to never take anything for granted. Live with gratitude, especially for our loved ones. Thank you George, for showing up in my life in the magical way that you have. Blessings to his family and many friends.
Jim Kelly - NU 75
July 29, 2016
Rest in Peace
...This was found at Stratton Mountain after the Wanderlust Festival. Please call the Stratton Mountain Welcome Center to claim.
Shelly Baker
June 26, 2015
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S J. Friscia III
February 25, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
April 3, 2013
George was a terrific fellow cadet and a constant catalyst of a smile by all. It has been a long time since he perished and I hope his family is well.
Debbie Brown
November 10, 2012
Forever young, vibrant, and football hero. Throughout the years I often think about a popular, good looking, and kind, friend that I new briefly at Harrison High. Will never make sense
September 6, 2011
Was watching 9/11 memorial program by Steven Speilberg and saw George's name above the name of his friend Thomas Palazzo. How touching that the Memorial artists could achieve that for the families. Our country will NEVER forget their sacrifice. Bless you. Carol Spicer Columbus,Ohio
Sal Bellino
September 11, 2008
Miss our train rides, the laughs and talking about great wines,"In Vino Veritas"
In my Thoughts and Prayers.
Bradford J. Winans
September 11, 2008
It's been seven years, seems like yesterday we lost you George, we still love you and your family. Today 9/11/08 we say prayers for your family and your rememberance. God Bless you and yours.
Mary McGarry
September 11, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today.
Hope everyone is well.
McGarry Family
Doug Abraham
December 2, 2007
Happy Birthday!!!
John Hammerschmidt
September 12, 2007
The stories....the laughs....the kindness. He is missed and remembered often.
tom van nostrand
September 11, 2007
the thought of you still makes me smile!!
Mary McGarrry
September 11, 2007
Dear Robbie and Kids,
Thinking of all of you today, hope everyone is doing ok.
Mary McGarry and Kids
P Tabbernor
January 7, 2007
In remembrance....
lt.john white
December 31, 2006
when thinking of 9/11,we think of those we've meet because of it.our thoughts and prayers include you.
Kristine
November 17, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Nicole Emmanuel
September 11, 2006
Dear Robbie, Nancy, George JR, Kelsey, + Harrison: On this 5th 9/11, anniversary, I can still picture in my mind, what took place that, day. But, I am 30 year's old now, and, I still miss George, very much. One day I will go visit, Ground Zero. And, I will say a prayer for you, guy's. God bless you, and the, Palazzo, family.
Debbie Busby Kunces
June 23, 2006
Dear Robbie and children -
I know it has been almost 5 years since the tragic day of 9/11...but your beloved husband & father will forever be in our hearts and prayers.
I have such fond memories of him at WCC and all the fun times.
Love to all of you. George is looking down on us everyday.
Love to all of you.
Debbie (Busby) Kunces & Bob
Robbie, Erin & Kimberly
\
Bill Buttrick
May 6, 2005
Hello Morell clan
I have a picture of George on my desk and greet him almost every day. Robbie I hope all is well. To the kids, I don't have to retell what a great guy your Dad was, but I will. Your Dad was larger than life and he's alive right now in you. Cherish that fact.
Always yours,
Billy Buttrick
Rich Bolton
December 26, 2004
Christmas 2004
Michele (Rushing) Pirella
September 11, 2003
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Morell family. I had the honor & privilege of knowing & working with George many years ago at Cantor. He always had a kind word, a smile & a good story to tell for everyone.
May god bless you & keep you.
Justine Mangione
September 11, 2003
Dear Morell Family,
I knew George from the days he lived next door to the Sugar Mill Restaurant in New York in the early 80's. He and Mark used to stop in and were always nice, friendly and
ready to share a good story or two.
Everybody moved on and it was years before I saw him again. I was interviewing for a job in the World Trade Center and I saw this fellow run past me in the lobby. "George?? What's the rush?" He said, "My wife is having our baby and I have to get to the hospital." You should have seen the look on his face - He was beaming!! That was the last time I ever saw him and it will be the memory I keep of him, running to be with the ones he loved, and smiling all the way.
I never met any of you but want you to know that I pray for your family and George, especially on the anniversary of that tragic day.
Justine Mangione
Debbie Bruckheim DeMarco
September 11, 2003
To the Morell family,
You don't know me, but I went to school with your brother, Mark.
I just wanted to say how very sorry I am for this horrible tragedy that has happened to your family and hope the coming years will be better ones for all of you.
Take care.
Rich Bolton
December 31, 2002
Peace
annie morell
September 14, 2002
Dear Robbie, Nancy,Kelsey,George and Harry,I want you to know how much I think of you and pray for you every day. I don't quite understand why life seems so unfair sometimes and we will never have the answers. I will never forget when my mother died and how devasated I was, and how I wanted to give up on life. Alex and I had lots of support by evryone, especially Uncle George. He never seemed to forget about how we were doing and I felt he was kind of like a father we never really had. George was an exrememly loving person and I will always remember that. He put his family first and always wanted everyone to smile and laugh. I am so proud of each and every one of you because you are so strong. I know your lives will never be the same and there are times that will seem unbearable- but Never Give Up! You now will have a special guardian angel that will always be near. On your sad days, on your special days.and as you grow up, George will always be watching over you with a smile. I know there is not much anyone can do to take the pain away, but know that I am here for anything you need. The tragady of Sept.11 took too many friends and family from us, but Uncle George was one of a kind and will never be forgotten. I believe he is watching over all of you and I know you are all making him proud. I love you all, and want you to know how much strenth you"ve given me. God got a very special angel that day and hopefully left us all with wonderful memories. Always smile guys,I love you-Annie Morell
Sue Hartdegen
September 12, 2002
On Tuesday evening, I was given a badge to wear that was in the shape of a red heart and had the name George Morell on it. I was a member of the local "Rolling Requiem" on Wednesday, September 11, in honor of those who perished one year ago. Each person could wear a badge honoring one particular person who lost their life that day. This Requiem was sung by almost 200 groups in 21 different time zones beginning at 8:46am local time. In Tucson we were 350 voices strong from groups all over the city. We also sang excerpts from the Requiem at the Tucson "Patriot Day - In Remembrance of September 11" program last night. To paraphrase Leonard Bernstein - this was our response to violence and terror: "to make music more intensely, more beautifully, more devotedly than ever before". In my heart I dedicated my small part of this tribute to George Morell, and wore his badge all day in his honor. Rest assured that caring strangers all over the globe will remember your lost loved one for the rest of their lives and keep him in their prayers.
Scott Uresse
September 12, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss, my family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott & Fern Uresse
Patricia Wendland
September 12, 2002
Dear Morell family
I attended a memorial service at church this evening and we were all given a name for a person and family to include in our prayers. I went to the NY Times series on Portraits in search of George Morell to know more about the person. He seems like such a wonderful man and someone that made this world a more beautiful place for others. Thank you for sharing your memories of Mr Morell so we can know him as you know him. You are in my prayers.
Pat W, Las Vegas, NV
tom morelli
September 11, 2002
To the George Morell Family.. I am George's older cousin.. the doctor in Hawaii, son of Tom Morell..even though I added the "i" back in '66.
Just to let you know that my family and I wish that you may be at peace.. and that you and the children continue to grow and prosper.. Eventually we look forward to meeting.. Tom Morelli
Rick Johnston
September 11, 2002
Robbie,
I'll never forget meeting you and George in Sun Valley at Bernie's place. It was clear to me that George was the type of person who enjoyed every minute of every day. I remember when he dropped his mitten from the chairlift down to the double diamond slope. Neither of us being good skiers, we were nonetheless determined to fetch George's mitten. We went down the treacherous slope, falling every 10 feet, laughing at the sacrifice we were making for that stupid mitten! I never had so much fun!
I'm sure that George is making the most of every minute in heaven, and would want all of us to do the same.
Melissa and I send our love to you and your family on this one year anniversary. We will miss George in our lives, but will always be influenced by his thoughtfulness and kindness.
Love, Rick
Shana Golden
September 11, 2002
Today is a day of remembrance. Today, I am thinking about all of you and hope that you are getting through this. I miss you very much, and I am so sad that George is no longer with us. I am here for all of you if you need me.
Don DeMaria
September 11, 2002
Robbie,
George was the first person I recall seeing in the hospital room after regaining consciousness following a bad car accident in Nov. 1976. Many others thought I might not make it, but George was there. He was always cheerful, trying to lift my spirits and get me back on my feet again. We stayed in touch over the years. Much later he visited us in the Keys. George had a shirt on that I commented on. If I remember it had a picture of a stripped bass on it. George's immediate responce was "you like it, it's yours" and he took it off and gave it to me. George was at my side when many thought I was on my death bed. Later in life he gave me the shirt off his back. George was one of the greatest people I have ever known.
mary beth herzog deines
September 10, 2002
Robbie,
It's been many years since I saw you and George. But I have fond memories of all the get togethers especially those leading up to Jeanne and Chris's wedding. I will always remember George for how funny and nice he was. God Bless all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. mb
Bob Hillier
September 2, 2002
Robbie & Family,
Although we have never met, I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you. I went to Norwich University with George and we drove to Florida during Spring Break '75...a trip that I will never forget.
This weekend (September 6-8) a group of us from Norwich (Class of '75) will head (as many have been doing so since graduation)to a classmate's cabin for a "boy's only" weekend. It is a weekend that is filled with much laughter, remembrances of our fallen classmates less fortunate, and the realization as to how precious life truly is.
During our time together, the name of George Morell will come up often with many stories to follow about our time at Norwich University. And along with our stories, we will offer a heartfelt toast through smiles and tears to someone who touched all of our lives.
A friend,
Bob "Sunshine" Hillier
Norwich University
Class of 1975
Claire and Melissa
May 26, 2002
Dear Nancy and Family,
WE just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you always. If you ever need us we're just a phone call away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever.
love always,
claire and melissa
Frank Gerham Jr
March 11, 2002
Dear Morell family,
at the six month aniversary date , I find myself thinking about the times I had with George while growing up at Westchester CC.Swimming practice , sneaking cigarettes on the sundeck & teen dances.It has been a several decades since those days but they all came flooding back to me when I heard the news.Faith tells us that George is in a better place.I'm sure there has been a few more laughs in heaven, over the last six months
Marc Freed
March 11, 2002
George, then at Chapdelaine, was the first broker to invite me out for dinner when I began to work at Salomon Brothers in 1982. I was so naive, that when he said that we would go to "21" I told him that I couldn't afford it. We did a lot of business and spent a lot of time together from then until I moved to London in 1986. Swimming in Rye, watching tennis at the US Open, golf at Wastchester, Winged Foot, and Deepdale, Skiing at at Stratton. Even after that, we stayed in touch until about 1990. He got my brother David a job at Cantor that was a great experience for him. George was all about caring for other people. Even though I had not seen him for ten years, he was the first person who came to mind when I saw the TV on 9/11. George made my life immeasurably better. I will always remember him as a person who succeeded in business because he know how to succeed in life - by genuinely caring about the people in his life. I miss him.
March 11, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...GEORGE WILLIAM MORELL AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.GEORGE GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
H. Douglas Berardo
March 4, 2002
George you had it all,and we will always remember your friendly ways,happy personallity,and sincere outlook on life.You were part of the scene.to say that "you will be missed would be an understatement.
I hope we meet agian. Thanks Pal
H.Douglas Berardo,and family
Glenn Klausner
February 24, 2002
Dear Robbie & Family,
I hope you get to read this entry. As you know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you with George's passing. It has been my great pleasure to speak with him for your family. George has truly touched me as I am sure he touched all of you.
I wanted to put my comment in this guestbook in honor of George letting all of you know that I think of him & your family often. May God bless all of you with love & light.
Glenn
Terri Romeo
February 17, 2002
Words cannot express the horror of this tragic event and the loss of George. I met George through his cousin Alex and he was always smiling and fun of fun! My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time. You will all be in my prayers.
Terri Romeo
Samantha Blair
February 5, 2002
"Well, he didn't know who I was either" is one of the best answers around. OBL didn't know who we are either. Thank you for the life you lived and all the people you touched while living it.
Florence Kirkwood
January 29, 2002
Robbie and kids: It's been almost 5 months now, and every time I drive past your house, my heart goes out to the whole family all over again. When such a huge presence is removed it leaves a gaping hole, which you must feel keenly. I try to say a Hail Mary "for us sinners and George and his family" every time I drive by - so you and George are remembered, even though it may seem to you as if the world is continuing on its way without further notice of your loss. God be with you all.
Mary Lynne (Rie) Bonforte
January 1, 2002
My deepest condolences. I believe I went to school with George at St. Joseph's in Bronxville. Forgive me if I am wrong. My memory, while only somewhat vague, is a good one of him. He was friendly and smiled. It doesn't surprise me to hear about the good things written about him. I look at my first holy communion picture with my classmates which includes a George Morell, and I view his photo on the Westchester news station. It seems it can only be the same person.
Respectfully,
Mary Lynne (Rie) Bonforte
Rich Bolton
December 25, 2001
Rest in peace, you were one of a kind. The kind we all strive to be. Hither Hills will never be the same.
Tracy Jagerman
December 24, 2001
I will always have fond memories of George, stories about his family, his travels, etc. I met George through a mutual friend in January 2000 at the Superbowl in Atlanta. I will cherish my memories of the last few years that George was a part of my life, even though it was mostly through email and telephone conversations. I hope to see one of his kids on the student roster at Univ. of Notre Dame someday!
Friends forever,
Tra
Teresa Jahn
December 19, 2001
Thank you for sharing George's story. "He shook hands with strangers and made them his friends" and "He collected friends" - Such statements about George reflect a warm and caring heart. We wish we would have had the chance to meet George and shaken his hand. The world will greatly miss such a warm hearted person. We are deeply sorry for your loss of George. May all those who have been touched by George; live their lives collecting friends and passing on his tradition. I know by reading his story, he has touched my life and I will try to shake more strangers hands in honor of George. We are deeply sorry for your loss of George. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Katie Haynes
December 12, 2001
George was one of the great ones! I will miss him every weekend at the beach in the summer.......I will always hear his voice reminding me to enjoy the sun a little....When Ward started working at Cantor running into George was defintely a highlight for him. They certainly had a lot of laughs throughout their day.
I know it is hard to find comfort during this time, but I am glad they have each other.
Lots of love, Katie
Ruddy Thompson
December 11, 2001
Dear Robbie and Family,
Today, the three month anniversary of that horrible day, gives me time to reflect on the short lived friendship I had with George.
From our first meeting by chance as teammates in the Beefsteak tournamant at WCC (which we won!) to the Saturday night cocktail party at the beach club three days before the tragedy, I will always remember his warm heart, great wit, and engaging smile and laughter. I miss him very much.
JoAnne (josie) Mule'
November 4, 2001
Dear Morrell Family,
I had the pleasure of working with George at Cantor. He was such a nice guy, with such a happy smile. George was so funny. He would always make us laugh at just the right moment. It hurt my heart to find out that he was there on that fateful day. God bless you all.
Josie
donna clark
November 1, 2001
MY heart goes oot to the morell family, i used to work at Cantor with George and he was a great person,I remember he always kept a picture of his family on his computer when they went camping and it was a beautiful black and white picture. George was always a very giving person, everyyear George and Tom Cahill and Kevin Boyle would always buy me a xmas gift the reason being that I did there expense reports, and one year I remember George bought me a suit for the year end party I used to call it my georgio morelli, he would never forget me. George was a great Person alot of fun to work with. I will msis George with all my heart, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Bednarz Family
October 9, 2001
So sorry for your tragic loss. Keep the lovely memories in your heart. Our prayers are with you.
Thomas F. Cerussi
September 18, 2001
Dear Robbie and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. George was a great man and a terrific guy. Although I haven't seen him in awhile, I will miss his presence, sense of humor and smiling("and devilish")face. My deepest sympathy and thoughts are and will be with you always. God bless you. If you ever need anything, just ask. -Tom
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