Richard J. Morris ... had a passion for camping; at 84

ROCHESTER - Richard J. Morris, 84, of Rochester, died on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Richard, known more as Dick, was born in Springfield, Mass., on Nov. 15, 1938.

He attended Classical High School in Springfield before beginning what would be a 26-year career in the United States Coast Guard. This career would take him all over the world, across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres including Antarctica. His years of service also included a tour of duty in Vietnam, countless hours of patrolling and assisting vessels, and conducting search and rescue missions in the most hazardous of conditions. After retiring from the Coast Guard with the rank of Master Chief, Dick worked as a nuclear technician at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and a shipping manager for Cabletron Systems and BrandPartners.

Dick is survived by his son Bill and his wife, Christa of West Springfield, Mass., daughter Karen Proctor and her husband Nevada of Enfield; his grandchildren Keira Proctor and Jack Morris; his sisters Joan Reilly, Cheryl Perrault, Jan Morris, and Linda Morris; his brother Mark Morris; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Ann Morris, parents Ben and Rita Morris, and his brother Michael Morris.

Dick was an active volunteer in town as a Boy Scout leader for many years. He had a passion for camping and the outdoors, and he loved imparting his lessons on citizenship, leadership, and service to young people over the years. Dick was also a devoted husband to his wife of nearly 50 years, and he loved being a grandfather to Keira and Jack. He was a friend to all and will be missed by so many.