Thomas R. Morgan

General, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

General Thomas R. Morgan, USMC (Ret.) died on December 6, 2024, at the age of 94. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Lynn Morgan and Scott Rothenberg, Susan and Larry Anderson, and Beth Morgan and Demetrio Cuzzocrea; four grandsons, Alan Herzog and his wife, Frankie Kennedy, Brandon Herzog, Thomas Cuzzocrea, and Jack Cuzzocrea; and a great-granddaughter, Audrey Herzog. His wife of 66 years, Barbara, died September 7, 2023.

Born January 6, 1930, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, General Morgan grew up in Slatington. He was an accomplished athlete and student at Slatington High School, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. He was also the Junior and Senior Class President and a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, he attended Colgate University, where he played basketball and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science in 1952. In June 1973, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia.

General Morgan was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in 1952. His distinguished 36-year career in the Marine Corps began as a Naval Aviator with over 2000 flight hours, including a combat tour in Vietnam. His assignments took him across the U.S. and around the world, culminating in his selection as the 21st Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. Known for his sharp intellect, professionalism, and leadership, he embodied the Marine Corps ethos.

After retiring, General Morgan continued to serve his country through various roles, including: 10 years on the Board of Governors of the USO; 15 years on the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Benefits Association; and, over 20 years as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University's CAPSTONE Course and Military Advisor to the Board of Regents at the Uniformed Services University. In 2011, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colgate University.

To his family, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherishing memories of family adventures, including courting his beloved Barb in Hawaii, skiing in the Swiss Alps, and road-tripping with his grandsons. Known for his wisdom, generosity, and kindness, he was a trusted friend and mentor.

Memorial services and interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Fund or the Fisher House Foundation's Scholarship for Military Children.