Carl D. Morrison

Carl David Morrison, 85, of Sarasota, passed away on January 28 after a long, full, and adventurous life. His life will be defined by his kindness, his curiosity, and the deep connections he made with others.

Carl had a rare gift. He treated everyone he met as a friend. He lived his life with an unwavering commitment to integrity, fairness, and helping others. These values guided every chapter of his life.

Born on June 24, 1940, to Carl O. and Margaret Morrison, Carl grew up in Harmony Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1958 and remained closely connected with his high school friends for decades.

Carl continued his education at Trenton State College, where he studied science. In an elective art class, he met the love of his life and future wife, Penny. Carl earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Trenton State College.

Carl then dedicated 25 years to education, serving as both a high school teacher and principal. He believed deeply in the power of education and chose his career out of a desire to support individuals and strengthen the community he served.

After retiring from education, Carl began a second career in real estate in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. There, he found great satisfaction in helping families find homes. Once again, it was the people and the relationships that brought him the greatest joy.

In retirement, beginning in 2000, Carl and Penny embraced a life of travel between their homes and the places they loved. In Sarasota, Carl built a wide and cherished circle of friends, spending countless hours sharing meals, conversations, and evenings at the theater. He enjoyed playing tennis and, for many years, organized the tennis group at Midnight Cove II.

Some of Carl’s happiest memories began in childhood, during annual family fishing trips to Ontario, Canada. These trips inspired him to later build a cottage on Bass Lake for his own family. This summer getaway was a place filled with sunsets, fishing outings with his sons, and waking to the sound of loons. In Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Carl found equal joy watching his three treasured granddaughters grow up and enjoying lively gatherings with his extended family.

Travel remained a lifelong passion for Carl and Penny. Together they explored the world, learning about distinct cultures and histories and meeting people everywhere they went. Carl’s love of travel and his curiosity about the world live on in his family.

Serving on the Board of Directors, Carl was an active and devoted member of the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota. More importantly, he formed hundreds of friendships that deeply enriched his life.

Carl was predeceased by his parents, Carl O. and Margaret Morrison, as well as his sister, Joan Lutz.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Penelope; his children, Sean and his spouse Der Sean, and Eric and his wife Kim; and his granddaughters, Jessica, Kristina, and Kaitlyn, all of whom carry forward his kindness, generosity, and love of life.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota on Saturday, April 11th at 2:30pm. All are welcome to gather in remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota in Carl’s memory. Donate Here UU of Sarasota