Obituary of Thomas Morris

Thomas Graham Morris Sr. (Glenville) 86 passed peacefully November 23, 2014, surrounded by his loving family in the Hospice Inn, of St. Peter's Hospital. Thomas Graham Morris was born November 29, 1927 in Boston, MA, the son of the late Thomas and Mabel (MacPhail )Morris. He was a graduate of Hyde Park High School, Boston MA, served in the US Navy during World War II on the carrier USS Leyte CV-32 in the European Theater, later attending Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, receiving an Honorable discharge when the war ended. He began his career with General Electric in the Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Program while attending Hyde Park High School, and he returned to GE after the war while continuing his education at Northeastern University. Tom continued his career with General Electric for 46 years, retiring in 1989. He also worked part-time for many years for the Schenectady Sheriffs Department leading to his part-time career as a charter member of the Glenville Police Department. A man with a strong work ethic he also worked part time at the Northeast Auto Exchange, after his retirement from General Electric. On a blind date in September of '46 Tom met his lifelong "Sweetie". Married in a double wedding ceremony the following July, they lived happily raising their children. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years Barbara (Smart) Morris; his daughters Patricia Abel, Jean (Antonio) Stevens-Lauria, Susan (Stephen) Lohnes; his son Thomas G. Morris Jr. Grandchildren Nicholas and Joshua Abel, Todd (Kimberly) Stevens, Miss Kimberly Stevens, Matthew (Karen) Morris, QiQi Kay Deng, Kassandra Morris Great grandchildren Kayla Stevens, Madisen, Morgan, Meghan, and Kameron Morris. Many others considered him their adopted grandfather…he was everyone's Pops. He is also survived by his "adopted" daughter Mary (Tom) Stevens Mortka, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son in law Michael John Stevens PhD. As strong as his work ethic was, his desire to help those in need was always stronger. He was deeply involved in many charitable organizations in the surrounding communities and could always be counted on when needed. Tom was an active member of the Masonic Order for 64 years. He collected and donated food for the Regional Food Bank and SICM, Schenectady Inner City Ministry. When he walked into the room it was always about everyone else, not him. He added vitality to every situation. Anyone who met him quickly considered him an old friend. Calling hours will be held at the Glenville Funeral Home, Glenridge Rd, Glenville. on Friday November 28, 2014 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Scotia NY on Saturday November 29, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be postponed until Friday, December 5. Time will be announced. Memorial Contributions may be made to Valley Hospitaler at P.O. Box 2771, Glenville New York 12302. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to St. Andrews Church, Masonic Hospitalers Fund, any regional food bank serving the hungry, American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association.