PHILIP CHRISTOS MORRIS

1930 - 2015

MORRIS, PHILIP CHRISTOS Philip Christos Morris of West Haven passed away on Monday, March 30th, after battling lung disease. Born in 1930 in the tiny village of Exohi in Northern Greece where he lived until his family was scattered and the village ravaged by the Greek Civil War and by Nazi occupying forces. He ended up in Thessaloniki as a teen where he became a photographer by the iconic White Tower. At twenty-two he made passage to the United States, settled in Connecticut and met and married Mary Simos, of West Haven. While raising two sons, and sponsoring his two brothers’ immigration to this country, he founded Philip’s Photography in Milford, the first color photography studio/labs in New England. When he sold the business 30 years later, it was one of the last small independent color labs. He subsequently opened Mr. Donut of Derby and later a small home repair company. When he retired, he spent winters in the Vero Beach, Florida area where he befriended many. Throughout his life here, he was an active and devoted member of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, and engaged in a variety of organizations, including the Boy Scouts and the Exchange Club . A generous, honorable and beloved man, Philip will be missed by all who knew him for his kindnesses and great dignity. His survivors are the most fortunate to have been touched by him: his wife, Mary Morris, of West Haven; his sons Philip Morris (Kathleen) and Michael Morris (Dena); his brother, Gregory Mouratidis (Ellie); his sister-in-law, Linda Morris, and his five grandchildren: Meghan Morris (Nate); Sophia and Lecco Morris; Micaela Morris and Marla Morris. The family asks that expressions of sympathy be made to the George Morris Scholarship Fund c/o St. Barbara or the St. Barbara Building Fund in Orange. The viewing will take place at 10:30 am until noon, Thursday April 2nd at St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT. The funeral service will follow at noon. Interment in Orange Center Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of the Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven. www.celentanofuneralhome.com