Obituary of Richard M. Morris

Richard M.Morris "Merc" Elmira: Age 72, passed away at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, February 22, 2013. Merc was born in Elmira, June 18, 1940, son of the late Richard E. and Caroline (Seymour) Morris. He is also predeceased by his three month old son Darrin. Merc is survived by his wife, and best friend, of 47 years, Sue Covell Morris; children, with their families, Kimberly Smith, Elmira, with children, Stephanie, Samantha, and Zachary "Morey"; Heather and Will Mayer, Saco ME with children, Nicole, Brandon and Michael; Damon Morris, St. Augustine FL with fiancée Soni and his children, Jennifer and Jamie; great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Anthony, Avianna, Sidney, Colby, Hailey, Riley and Amelia; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marg and Dick Russell, Ocala FL, Jane Webber, Bath NY, Patty Smalt, Milton PA, Betty Jean and Ken Gilbert, Bath NY, Bill Covell, Bath NY; several nieces and nephews; along with many good friends and all his brother and sister Hibernians, all whom he loved dearly. Merc was a graduate of EFA. He served his country proudly from 1960 - 1963 as a Seabee in the U S Navy. Merc was a journeyman roofer for several years before beginning a twenty-five career with New York State Department of Corrections. During his career he worked in various jobs including, Inmate Grievance Coordinator, Director of Quality of Work Life, retiring as a Lieutenant at Monterey Correctional Facility. While with corrections Merc earned a Bachelor's Degree from Elmira College. He was a member of the Elmira Elks Lodge #62, Elmira Heights American Legion Post #154 and a communicant of St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Merc's Irish heritage was a big part of his life. He was a faithful and respected member of the Msgr. John J. Lee Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, serving at one time as the Division President. He was also active at the state level serving as a Regional Director. Merc loved jazz and was known as "The Jazzman", enjoying several trips to New Orleans to take in the music. He will forever be loved and missed by his family, friends and loyal "brothers" at the Hibernian Club. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Monday, February 25, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Military honors will be accorded outside of church after the Mass. Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Merc with a donation to one of the following, A.O. H. Building Fund, 701 Kinyon Street, Elmira NY 14904, Josh Palmer Fund, P O Box 3225, Elmira NY 14905, Care First, 11751 E Corning Road, Corning NY 14830. Officers and members of the A.O.H. will meet at McInerny Funeral Home, Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother, Merc. Signed, Dan O'Herron, President