WALTER A. MORRIS JR.

Walter Adams Morris Jr., of Williamsburg, VA, formerly of Plandome Manor and Water Mill, New York passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. A true Renaissance man, he lived a happy and rich 91 years, 66 of them with Suzy, the love of his life. Walter was the beloved son of the late Walter and Margaret Morris of New York City and brother of the late Dr. Robert D. Morris of New York City and Water Mill, NY. Born June 25, 1921 in New York City, Walter graduated from Regis High School in 1938 and the College of the Holy Cross in 1942, where the yearbook captured the essence of his spirit, "Meet W.A. the debonair New Yorker, the good looking boy with the Pepsodent smile, man of good cheer, usually successful after apparently little effort, always looked as though he stepped directly from a page in Esquire. A care-free cosmopolite who was essentially a scholar and honors man." Following his first year at Columbia Law School, he served as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps during WWII. After the war he returned to Columbia where he was a Kent Scholar. Walter always joked he would have been first in his class had it not been for his many late nights courting Suzy. He happily settled for being number three in his class. They married September 10, 1949 in St. Patrick's Cathedral. They had more than a marriage, it was a great love story of 63 years. Walter began his law career at Shearman and Sterling (1947-57), served as Assistant General Counsel at W.R. Grace and Co., (1957-69) and retired as Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel at Consolidated Edison Co. of New York (1969-86). Walter and Sue raised six children in Manhasset where they lived for 40 years. They moved to Kingsmill in Williamsburg in 1997 where they were very happy and met wonderful friends and neighbors. Walter treasured his friendships with his fellow members of the Crown Colony Club. He found great pleasure writing essays for the Virginia Gazette, playing golf, and reading American history. The highlight of his day was reading The New York Times - which he read for 83 years. He proudly completed the daily crossword puzzle right up to the end of his life. Part of the greatest generation, Walter was a man of integrity and conducted his life to the highest standards. Walter was an extraordinary son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. His handsome face, beautiful blue eyes, enthusiasm, energy, wisdom and wit will be greatly missed. His great loves were his family, books and country. Walter leaves his precious wife, Suzy and his adoring children: Susan of Alexandria, VA, Joan of Warrenton, VA, Walter III "Skip" (Penni) of Lighthouse Point, FL, Jonathan (Margaret) of Essex, CT and New York City, Nancy (Kevin D. Miller) of Manhasset and Water Mill, NY, and Ann (Jonathan Barrett) of Hyattsville, MD. He cherished his grandchildren, Kevin, Gordon, Catherine, Nancy and Betsy. The family thanks his friends, neighbors and caregivers that have been so wonderful during his battle with cancer. A funeral mass was held at St. Bede Roman Catholic Church in Williamsburg, VA. Burial took place at Southampton Cemetery Association in New York. Donations in Walter's memory may be made to Regis High School, 55 East 84th Street, New York, NY, 10028.