Obituary of Robert Elmer Morris
It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of Robert E. Morris, who
passed away on February 22 nd in his home in Belvidere, New Jersey. Robert was a longtime
resident of Rockaway who will be remembered as a kind and loyal man who had a heart of gold.
Robert was born in August of 1935 to Charles and Francis Morris in Liberty, New York.
He was raised there, alongside his sister, Joyce, and attended Liberty High School. It was at this
high school where he would take the venture to senior prom with Elsie Trips. After the dance,
the pair went their separate ways while Robert furthered his education, as well as served in the
U.S. Army for 2 years during the Korean War. It wasn’t until Elsie was working at Mount Sinai
Hospital that she was approached by Robert, and the pair began dating. In August of 1959 Elsie
took the last name Morris, and together they shared over 64 years of marriage.
In that time, the couple brought 4 beautiful children into the world. Robert and Elsie
raised them with all the care and love in their hearts, calling Rockaway, New Jersey, their home.
Robert was a hardworking man and had a career as an electrician. Some would call him a
workaholic, but those close to him knew that he would do anything to be able to provide and
care for his family. One example, of many, would be his practice of splitting enough wood to
last the wood burning stove about 10 years, even though the family would never be able to use
it fast enough. Robert was a real go-getter, and no one in the world could tell him that he
couldn’t do something, and he sure did a little bit of everything.
Robert was good with his hands and acted as a handyman for anyone that needed his
skills. He repaired household items, built additions with ease, and even built an in-ground pool
so that his beloved family could cool off in the summer months. When Robert found some free
time of his own, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and hunting. He would hunt all types of game,
and belonged to a gun club that he would take outings with from time to time. He also had a
hand in farming; raising pigs and tending to his lush garden throughout his time in Rockaway.
Being the worker he was, he still managed to get involved in his community. He served on the
Hibernia Fire Department and acted as Chief from 1979 to 1980, spent time as a deacon at the
First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway, and even joined the International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers to further immerse himself in his career.
Throughout all of this, Robert was making memories. Those who knew him will
remember his tenacity and the zest he had for life. His family will remember him as a loving
father and grandfather; a man who would give you the shirt off of his back and be forever loyal
to those he loved. These memories of Robert are now priceless, and we should all reflect on the
gift that his presence was in our lives.
Although he has passed on, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace with the
Lord. We now look to those he leaves behind to carry on his memory of kindness and
generosity. Robert’s survivors include his beloved wife, Elsie Morris, his children, Nancy
Mennen (John), Susan Danilack (Mark), Robert S. Morris (Janine), Mary Morris, his
grandchildren, Christine Yousef, Shawn Mennen, Kathryn Mennen, Sarah Mennen, Alexandra
Mennen, Lindsey Chrismon, Andrew Danilack, Paul Danilack, Maureen Feng, Frank R. Davis,
Carina “Bina” Davis, his great grandchildren, Kaden Yousef, David Yousef, Selma Yousef, Hailey
Belford, his sister, Joyce Hinkley, as well as a wealth of friends and neighbors who will dearly miss him.
If you would like to contribute to Robert’s memory yourself, please consider making a
charitable contribution to the Hibernia Fire Department so that Robert can continue to make a
positive difference in his community. Memorial donations can be made via inmemof.org.
Hours of public visitation for Robert will be held on Saturday, March 2nd from 1 to 3 PM
with a funeral service to begin at 3 PM at Norman Dean Home for Services, Denville, NJ. All are
welcome to come and celebrate the life of this incredible man. Please leave a condolence,
share a memory, or light a candle to continue to let Robert’s light shine!
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