Robert L. Morris

Robert L. Morris, 88, of Williamsburg, VA, loving husband of Elizabeth M. (Smyth) Morris, entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 23, 2021.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, eldest son of four children of Joseph A. and Philomena G. Morris (both deceased), he attended Catholic Schools, graduating from Northeast Catholic HS in 1950, received a BS Chem E from Drexel Institute in 1955, and a MS Chem E from the Univ. of Pennsylvania, (where he was an NSF and Yerger fellow,) in 1957. He later studied at the Univ. of Cincinnati and the University Of Chicago School Of Business.

His career included brief service in the US Army Corps of Engineers and employment in Research & Development with Procter & Gamble (Cinn., OH), Kraftco (Glenview, IL), ITT (NYC), and Continental Baking Co. (Rye, NY & St. Louis, MO) from which he retired as Corporate Vice President of Technical Affairs in 1992. He founded a consulting business, Managing Technology Inc. which he operated for 14 years.

He has served on of the Board of Directors of the Industrial Research Institute, of Fundacion Chile (Santiago), of Olde Towne Medical Center and the Management, Food & Bioengineering, and Computing & Systems Technology Divisions of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers of which he was elected a Fellow. He also served on advisory boards of several universities and professional organizations and of the Grocery Manufacturers Assoc, the American Bakers Assoc., the American Inst. of Baking and the American Dental Association.

He was active in men's organizations in the Catholic Church and at St. Bede Parish in Williamsburg served as Chairman of the Finance Council, Co­Chair of the Core Committee for the construction of their new church, and as the Owner's representative during its construction.

He held two US Patents, published several technical articles and was a sought-after speaker. He received many professional honors and was most proud of his selection as an Outstanding Alumnus by Drexel. He was an avid reader, collected US Stamps and was an award-winning artist. He was very proud of his work in managing and building R&D organizations, especially Fundacion Chile and of his work in helping to build the new St. Bede Church. But most of all he was proud of his decision to propose to Betty in 1953 and of their family of six children: Robert L. Jr. & wife Kim (of Sparks, NV), Thomas J. & wife Teresa (of Caledonia, MS), Lawrence F. & wife Laura (of North Granby, CT), Elizabeth M. (of Coatesville, PA), Mary Ellen & husband Jack Saunooke (deceased) (of Whittier, NC) and Richard B. (of St. Louis, MO), his ten grandchildren: Sean I Brandon, John, Carl, & Sorsha / Jonathan, Andrew, & J. Maxwell / Toineeta & Samantha, and his four great grandchildren. Bob was a member of the Fords Colony Golf Club and thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf. After retirement, he and Betty continued to travel to visit family, friends, and interesting places. They enjoyed fine food and wines, gardening, music and active volunteerism.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mrs. Helen E. Spielberger, R.N. of Lansdale, PA; Mrs. Regina Carey of Philadelphia, PA; and his brother, Joseph T., M.D. of Naples, FL. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 2nd at 11am at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. It will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Williamsburg House of Mercy (10 Harrison Ave., Williamsburg, VA 23185 - info@williamsburghouseofmercy.org) or St. Bede Catholic Church (address above - www.bedeva.org). Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.