Morpeth Howard Hemsworth Jr.

Howard Hemsworth Morpeth, Jr., age 87, of Port Murray, NJ died Monday, April 1, 2024 at the home of his daughter in Lebanon, NJ. Howard was born February 17, 1937 in North Arlington, NJ to the late Howard Hemsworth and Anna Catherine (Oese) Morpeth, Sr. In addition to his parents, Howard is preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert and Georgie Morpeth.
Howard grew up in Lyndhurst, NJ most of his childhood. He proudly served in the US Marine Corps during peace time from 1956 to 1959 and played on the US Marine Corps football team. In 1964, Howard married his bride of almost 60 years, Ann Doonan and lived in Whippany with his parents for a few years. Howard and Ann then moved to Port Murray, NJ, in 1967, where they built their home and raised their three children. During those years, Howard was employed as a butcher at Budd's Market and at Ross's Foodtown for over 20 years, all the while being a gentleman farmer of almost 8 acres of land. He made a change of employment in the early 1980's first selling pressure washer equipment for Metro Hotsy and then taking the risk to start his own family business, Aquatech-USA, in the same industry. He retired in 2004 and enjoyed spending his days driving around to visiting friends and family, perusing garage sales, collecting breweriana, "stuff", and "other treasures". His evenings were reserved to going out dancing with Ann and their dear friends to area dance halls and outdoor concerts. Howard was a sports fan especially of Giants football and Rangers hockey. In his younger years, Howard coached and helped develop some youth sports programs in both Mansfield and Hackettstown.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife: Ann (Doonan) Morpeth, his two daughters, Pamela Romanek and husband Don, Susan Yerega, a son, Christopher Morpeth and wife Michele, a sister, Barbara McClain and husband James, four grandchildren, Frank and Matthew Yerega, Kayleigh Morpeth, Jacob Romanek and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 am on Friday, April 5 at St. Theodore R. C. Church, 855 Route 57, Port Murray, NJ with Father Damien officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rood Cemetery, Morristown following services.
Visitation will be Thursday, April 4 from 1- 4 pm and 7-9 pm & Friday, April 5 from 9-10 am at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Howard's name to a charity close to your heart.