John Henry Morris Sr.

John Henry Morris of Manchester, New Jersey passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Cresskill, New Jersey, on July 25, 1932, John grew up with a strong sense of purpose and an even stronger sense of duty. Those qualities guided him through every part of his life-from his years serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War to his decades of work and volunteer service that followed. But if you asked John what mattered most, he'd tell you without hesitation: his family, and especially his beloved wife, Mary. For 65 years, John and Mary built a life defined by love, partnership, and quiet strength. Together they raised their children, celebrated milestones, weathered challenges, and filled their home with laughter that carried through generations. John spent 35 years in Closter, New Jersey, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Closter Board of Education. But his real passion was helping others. For more than three decades, he volunteered with the Closter Fire Department, serving as both firefighter and past chief, as well as volunteering with the Closter Ambulance Corps. He was the kind of man who answered the call-day or night, rain or shine-because that's just who he was. When John and Mary moved to Manchester in 1998, they became part of a close-knit community. John found joy in his hobbies and friendships at Leisure Knoll, where he was active in the Veterans Club, the Footlighters, and the Photography Club, which he once led as president. Whether behind a camera or telling a joke, John had a way of noticing the small, beautiful details most people might miss.

He leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories cherished by his wife, Mary; his children, John H. Morris (Sharon), Karen Galligan (Greg Kemp), and Linda Makulowich (Steven); his sister, Lillian Hamilton; six grandchildren-Sean (Torey), Heather (Nelson), Christopher (Amanda), Ryan, Laura (Tim), and Damien (Brianna); and three great-grandchildren - Quade, Landis, and Lovella. To them, he was not just a father or grandfather, he was Papa. Funny, dedicated and a model of love and commitment.

Visiting is Monday 2-4 & 7-9 PM with a 3 PM service at Oliverie Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester.

Interment is Tuesday at the Brigadier General William C Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery, Arneytown.

In honor of John's lifelong commitment to service, the family requests that donations be made to the Closter Fire Dept 100 Ruckman Rd Closter 07624.

John Henry Morris lived a long, good life-one built on kindness, hard work, and love that will carry on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.