Robert C.        Morris, Sr

Robert C. Morris, Sr, 83, of Newtown, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died June 30, surrounded by family.

In 1941, Mr Morris entered the Navy to serve on Landing Ship Tank (LST) 311 in World War II. He saw combat in North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, and the D-Day Landing on Omaha Beach. The ship earned four battle stars in all.

When his active service ended in 1944, Mr Morris continued in the Navy reserves until 1950, then returned to active service on LSTs for Korea. In total he earned two honorable discharges rising to Engineman First Class. Like his faith, Mr Morris’s love of country and the Navy ran deep.

He was a member of the National LST Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and a National Navy Memorial Plank Holder. Bob was plant engineer for Reliable Plating and Polishing Company for more than 30 years, culminating with selection as president of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Electro-Platers Association.

He volunteered to St James Church Holy Name Society in Stratford, serving as president and achieved the Knights of Columbus third degree. After moving to Newtown, he joined the St Rose Holy Name Society where he remained a dedicated patron for more than 30 years. When his children’s interest turned to theater, Bob became personally involved as a volunteer and member of the Polka Dot Playhouse.

Mr Morris is survived by wife Lillian (Wrabel) Morris, the love of his life for 58 years, as well as by daughter Barbara Lee Morris; son Colonel Robert Morris (USA), daughter-in-law Kim (Etzler) Morris; and two grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth and Robert John.

Funeral services with full military honors included a Mass of Christian Burial on July 6 in St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown.

The Spadaccino Community Funeral Home in Monroe was in charge of arrangements.

Donations in his memory may be made to the St Anthony Church elevator fund, PO Box 7117, Prospect CT 06712.

The Newtown Bee        July 9, 2005