Richard J. Morrow

Richard “Yank” Joseph Morrow, 95, of West Chester, PA (formerly of Broomall, PA and Annisquam, MA) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 8, 2023.

Born and raised in Annisquam, MA, son of the late James T. and Elizabeth F. (née Quinn) Morrow. James originally from Annisquam and known as the towns “Whistling Postman” and the “Village Postman”; and Elizabeth was originally from Maghera, Northern Ireland, and an incredible cook and baker.

He started playing hockey at seven years old, playing all through his life, through school, trying out for the Boston Farm Team in the early 1940’s, the Marine Corp, and any pickup game he could make.

At the age of 10, he captained tuna fishing boats out of Annisquam. Later he worked at the Bass Rock Yacht Club and played the trumpet in a band during high school years.

At 5 he knew he wanted to be a Marine. He joined the ROTC in High school, tried enlisting at 17 (without mums' signature), before being able to enlist in ‘46. Serving honorably for seven years as an active Marine before joining the reserves, he was a sharpshooter, stationed in Alaska, Quantico, marched in the Truman inauguration parade, and became a Drill Instructor and Staff Sergeant at Parris Island.

Richard loved Annisquam, not only for the memories but it's where he met the love of his life Helen Theresa (Terry) (née Dunne). Fate truly brought them together. He decided to leave active service in the Corp and settle near Philly (where she worked).

He worked for 40 years at PECO, as a Lineman, Troubleman, and Emergency Services Supervisor until his retirement.

Richard was a loving gentleman, with a kind heart and great sense of humor. He adored his family, relatives and friends.

He loved to learn and hated school, taught without even trying and took great pride in all that he did. Planning his garden months in advance and enjoyed every tractor ride caring for his land.

Tongue out over his lip thinking, he’d get an idea in his head and go for it. Reading every book and manual, tinkering till he understood. Teaching himself to text, play the ukelele, learning every plant, bird and tree, and how to care for them.

A brilliant wood carver, builder, and artist, Richard was a natural with anything creative. Carved and made a carousel, and with his electrical skills it moved up and down, all around, lit up and played music. He could pick up any instrument and play a tune after hearing only a few chords.

Playing the trumpet all his life, he also played the guitar, piano, ukelele, was a wonderful spoons player, and could even play a sweet potato and blades of grass.

Working up in Canada for a little at a lumber jack camp, then appliance store, he heard a band playing while walking the street in Montreal, borrowed a trumpet, listened to a few notes and joined right in, playing Dixie and jazz.

Richard loved spending time with family and friends; loved a good tune, never without a camera, and always with a good story to share. He enjoyed listening to music (especially jazz), wood carving, watching any western (particularly John Wayne), gardening, doing crossword and cryptogram puzzles, and finding solutions on how to stop squirrels from eating the birdseed.

If he saw a show that he thought you’d like, he’d record it and have you sit down and watch the next time you came over. Always put family first and loved giving his grandkids sweets, letting them sit in the comfy chairs first, instilling so much love and strength they will cherish forever.

Richard was so proud of being published author with the Annisquam Historical Society. He was the oldest living person from Annisquam Massachusetts, was sad to take the title but absolutely proud of it. His written work of his childhood and what it was like growing up in Annisquam can be read by clicking “Richard (Dick) Morrow: Memoir of an Annisquam Childhood”

He was a life member of the 2^nd Marine Division, the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Association, the Marine Corps League and the William Rush Wood Carvers.

A true family man, Richard loved his life with Terry and the family they created. He was the epitome of quiet strength and dignity, humble without fault, proud American, and proud Marine.

He was the lion on the hill, every day.

He lived life to the fullest, used it wisely and enjoyed it. He leaves an honorable legacy which his family hopes to continue. Sharing his stories, life, pride, honor, and love through the generations.

Richard was the beloved husband, for 68 years, of the late Helen Theresa Morrow (née Dunne); loving father of Theresa M. Brossman (John), Maureen H. Duffy (Edward), Lisa A. Morrow and the late Richard J. Morrow Jr.; proud grandfather of John R. Brossman (Susan), Kelly H. Malloy (Justin), Elizabeth T. Duffy, Maura H. Duffy, Edward H. M. Duffy, and Sean P. Duffy; and great grandchild, Julia M. Malloy.

He was predeceased by siblings; James T. Morrow, Lawrence W. Morrow, Harriet Brown, Edith Conant and Edna Meagher.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, June 16, 2023, at SS Peter & Paul Church, West Chester, PA followed by his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington St, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 or to the Main Line Health Home Care and Hospice, 240 North Radnor Chester Road, Suite 100, Wayne, PA 19087.