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Donald G. Morrow
1927 - 2020
Donald G. Morrow
1927 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1927
DIED
2020
Donald Morrow Obituary
Lifelong Danbury resident Donald Gordon Morrow, best known as a television game show host, announcer and voiceover actor passed away peacefully in his sleep with members of his family at his side on October 27, 2020 just shy of his 94th birthday. Don will be greatly missed by many and he is survived by his loving wife, Ursula, of over 50 years (Ulla) and his cherished children Donna (Jim) in Montana, Lisa Kate (Ken) in Montana, Holly (Jim) in Massachusetts, Jessica in California, Mark (Dunja) in Danbury and Scott (Kathy) in Texas, along with eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews.
Don was born in Stamford Hospital on January 29, 1927, son of Rosebud (Johnston) Morrow and James Alexander Morrow, predeceased by his brother James Morrow also a longtime resident of Danbury. In 1944, he graduated from Danbury High School before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at age seventeen. He went to serve overseas in Morocco from 1944-1946 where he was awarded the American, European, and Victory Medals. He attended Danbury State Teachers College, then Syracuse University, before finishing at Southern Methodist University of Dallas, Texas in 1950 with a BBA in Business Administration
Don began broadcasting on the radio in 1951. He was best known for his life long career in the television industry which included announcing the news with Walter Cronkite, emceeing the game shows Camouflage and Let Play Post Office in the late 50s and 60s, and announcing for Alan Luddens game shows Password and GE College Bowl. As the years passed he became a world class voiceover talent highly sought after as he became the Shell Answer Man in the 70s and 80s and often recognized for his voice in trailers for the hit movies Titanic and Saving Private Ryan among many others. During this time he also added three more accomplishments of which he was most proud...he became a pilot at age 69, self published 2 books with his dear friend and co-author, Kevin Moore, Forsaken Heroes of the Pacific War: One Mans True Story and his autobiography "How About a Martini?"
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family would prefer a donation be made to one of Don's favorite charities:
GarySiniseFoundation.org
Tunnel2Towers.org
DanburyHospital.org/support to the Palliative Care Program for the generous care provided by the staff in his last hours.
The family would welcome you to share memories, stories, and photos through GatheringUs at Gatheringus.com/memorial/donald-gordon-morrow/5635
Due to COVID considerations, a memorial celebration will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debra Rosko
October 29, 2024
A truly great man on many levels, I was blessed not only to have known him but i also studied voice over under him in L.A. he and his talent are greatly missed.
Rosanne Brown
May 7, 2024
Mr. Morrow was gracious enough to coach this Arkansas woman in voice over at his studio in Danbury. I thoroughly enjoyed my sessions with him, an learned more in a few short days with him than I could ever have learned from anyone else. It was wonderful standing shoulder to shoulder in the recording booth with him just hearing that rich voice of his in my ear. I will be forever grateful for that experience.
Chris G
February 28, 2024
Just saw this notice of Don´s passing several years ago. My condolences to the family of the (in my family´s opinion) best game show host ever. Peace.
Debbie Rosko
December 27, 2021
I studied under Don in California in 2000-2001, a wonderful, kind, talented man who will be greatly missed
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Donna McKiernan
November 2, 2021
Bud Conlin I am Mark's stepsister....text me or call me at 4062508521
Bud Conlin
November 1, 2021
Mark, I´m sorry to hear this. I was talking about VO talent today and of course your dads name came up. Hope y´all are well.
Dan Ernest
April 17, 2021
I found Don Morrow's voice for a short film on Malaria in Africa. I had no clue rated #1 Voice Over talent. We talked on phone after a few emails. He asked how much I could offer... I indicated under 100$ was budget for Voice Over. Don chuckled & directed me to his online list of past works. To listen carefully & take notes of Titles of works. I called him back an hour later. I actually cried...what an amazing successful voice talent. So, Don voiced my script & we kept in contact via FB for many years.
DARBY TOWNSEND ARIZMENDI
March 9, 2021
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. DONNA AND I WERE FRIENDS MANY YEARS AGO WHEN THEY SUMMERED ON LONG ISLAND. I WOULD GO UP AND SPEND A WEEK OR SO IN DANBURY AND MY DAD WOULD PICK HER UP ON THE DOCK BY THE RESTURANT TO GO OUT IN THE BOAT WITH US. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I THINK OF THOSE DAYS OFTEN.
Steve Deiters
December 28, 2020
As a young person in Cincinnati I was fan of “Science All-Stars” which Mr. Morrow hosted in the mid-60’s. I didn’t miss an episode.
I would see and hear Mr. Morrow over the years and always would say “There’s the Science All-Stars guy!”
Via the “science” of the internet I have just now (12/28) learned of his recent passing.
In the arc of his life he touched many in many ways including me. My thoughts are with his family and the many, many people he touched and this chance to say “thanks” for everything.
Brian Fay
December 4, 2020
So sorry for your loss Donna. God Bless.
Brian Fay
December 4, 2020
So sorry for your loss Donna.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
November 10, 2020
Dear Morrow Family Rory and I wish to express condolences's on the loss of Don Morrow.
Quin Mathews
November 9, 2020
Dear Ulla, you and Don graciously greeted me at your house in the early 2000s. Don gave me a VO session and did an interview with me for a radio show. You fixed lunch and brought us peanuts, both a first in my many years of interviewing. It was a treasured afternoon, and I have posted this clip from the interview for all to hear. My best to you and your family.
Respectfully,
Quin Mathews
https://vimeo.com/476704927
lotta laughs over the years...so glad you were my Dad
Donna McKiernan
November 5, 2020
As his first born I was there for all of it...the 3 amigos of Dad, Charles Nelson Reilly and David Hedison and my mom, Priscilla in the 50's...falling asleep in the booths at Sardi's while they drank and laughed and bs'd til late into the evenings....over the years there wasn't a celebrity that he didnt know and it was great getting to meet them and the stories were endless. He made the most of every moment, including the ones where he wanted to impress upon me the trouble i was in....like the time he caught me smoking or the time i swiped his car and went for a joyride without a license...i was grounded for a large part of my high school years and I'm sure i gave as good as I got. He also made sure i knew how much he loved me and always supported me in my educational endeavors as long as i gave it my all. When he married my stepmom Daryl and had 4 more kids in rapid succession my stint as an "only child" ended ...it was during those years that he created the tremendous opportunity to spend summers in Westhampton at his Wheel and Compass restaurant and water ski school, and winters skiing in upstate New York...tennis became a passion for him as did his involvement with the Republican party a he campaigned for Rockefeller and Goldwater...he was so many things to so many people and he was proud of these parts of his life when i was there so i just wanted to add that to his story. A very private man always, he was anonymously philanthropic to the causes he was passionate about as well as to friends in need. I loved him so.
Todd Schuster
November 5, 2020
What an announcer and voice. I remember those Shell commercials and many others and of course hearing him as the announcer for Jim Perry on Sale of the Century the last couple of years along with the Challengers and Now You See It 2 with Chuck Henry. E Channel too. A good man. Rest well Don.
Randy West
November 5, 2020
To family and friends I offer deepest condolences, as I just learned of this sad loss. Don and I worked together in Los Angeles around 1990, on the Dick Clark-hosted TV game show "The Challengers." We also saw each other periodically at the offices of our mutual voice agent.
As a child, when I was first dreaming of a career in broadcasting, I recognized Don's dual identity as The Shell Answer Man and the host of Camouflage. He made a lasting impression as a role model. Quite amazing synchronicity that we would become friends decades later. Don enjoyed hearing of that early influence, and regaled me with stories of his work in the 1950s through to the 90s.
He was such a kind, caring, generous and fully accessible friend, with a charming and gracious presence. I couldn't help smiling from ear to ear when he entered the room or studio. He seemed to enjoy sharing the kinds of stories I loved. One went back to the 1950s when he was the commercial announcer on the New York-based "The Price is Right" with host Bill Cullen. The commercial announcer worked for the sponsor - not to be confused with the show announcer who in this case was Don Pardo. He recalled the times both Dons were confused as to who the director was talking to.
Don offered voiceover classes and I'm now sorry I didn't join, if for nothing more than to share the time with him. Of course, his wealth of knowledge and talent could have benefited anyone in our business - his career was exeplary, his professionalism undeniable and his body of work unrivaled, well into an age when others looked to retirement and casting people looked for fresh blood.
Don was a dear man who made an early impression upon me, and then proved to be every bit the person I could have hoped he'd be when we became friendly. We did speak a couple of times when he was back in Danbury; they were very pleasant conversations, although I can't recall if there was a purpose to his call. A treat just the same.
As to Danbury, I grew up summers at Lake Waubeeka, a still-thriving community off route 7. And, sadly, my father passed away as well at Danbury Hospital. His care by the staff was wonderful - I hope Don found similar comfort in his final days. I am moved to make another contribution there on Don's behalf.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts as I join you in grieving the loss of a dear man. Peace to you in this sad time.
Diane Esposito Felicissimo
November 5, 2020
My dad, John Esposito (96) was a dear friend of Don’s some 70 years ago along with Joe Lombardi, Bill Swanson & Billy Hughes. Dad was saddened to hear of Don’s passing but enjoyed remembering the good ole days as his friend. Our sympathies to the entire Morrow Family. Sincerely The Esposito Family.
Ron and Katrina Otto Freier
November 5, 2020
'A great man is one who leaves others at a loss when he is gone.' God bless Ulla, Scott and all of the Morrow family on the loss of Don. He was true gentlemen and great neighbor to all in the King St. area of Danbury. With peace and love.
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