Courant political writer was journalism giant
Manchester resident dies of cardiac arrest at age 91
HARTFORD — Former Courant political writer and columnist Charles F.J. Morse, a leading voice in Connecticut journalism during the golden age of newspapers, has died at the age of 91.
“It is a business where every telephone call could be the best story in the country,’’ Morse said after he retired from the Courant in 1991. “And the fact that every night the story is complete and you’re ready for a new one in the morning is part of the thrill. There is a great sense of education and contribution in being able to cover government and politics. It also is a wonderful source of humor.’’
Morse died of cardiac arrest on Sept. 20 in Manchester, his wife, Ellen, said Wednesday. She said Morse was “the best,’’ and they had a “wonderful’’ life together over 67 years of marriage.
In his heyday, Morse was a giant in Connecticut political journalism — writing influential articles about governors, U.S. Senators, state legislators and others.
After spending 37 years at the Courant, Morse went to work for then-Gov. Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. as a part-time speech writer. Morse and others said it was not easy putting words into Weicker’s mouth, and so Morse’s responsibilities broadened into being a top aide and spokesman.
“Weicker was never at a loss for words, and he needed a speechwriter like a diner needs a wine steward,’’ said David Fink, the Courant’s former political editor. “Charlie was well respected, and the idea that he would hire Charlie was, in itself, a compliment to Charlie. Weicker may have been a lot of things, but he was nobody’s fool.’’
When Weicker hired Morse, he said, “I think he represents everything that is good about the press and politics in this country. As a reporter, he was always thorough with his facts. And as one who operated within the world of reporting on politics, he could always be counted on to keep his word.’’
He was a longtime attendee of The Crocodile Club at Lake Compounce, a long-running, light-hearted affair where politicians delivered jokes about each other.
During his long career at the Courant, Morse also served at times as a weekly political columnist, city editor and op-ed page editor.
He also spent 13 years as Capitol bureau chief and covered five governors.
When Morse retired, Courant editor Michael Waller said, “He’s an institution. He is one of The Courant’s greatest ambassadors. And a superb journalist.’’
Born on June 13, 1929 in Schenectady, N.Y., he was the son of Donald and Eleanor Morse. He served as a first lieutenant in the
U.S. Army medical corps in Korea. A graduate of Tufts University with a bachelor’s degree, he joined the Courant in 1953 after leaving Korea.
Arrangements are by the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home on Main Street in Morse’s hometown of Manchester.
Ellen Morse said her husband “absolutely’’ wanted a low-key, private burial with no calling hours.
“Charlie was a consummate gentleman,’’ Fink said Wednesday. “He was just a very, very nice man, and that translates well for a newspaper reporter because in the typically adversarial relationship between newspaper reporters and government officials, nice people do well.’’
Fink added, “He looked the part of a refined gentleman. Hewore tweed and gray flannel and buttoned-down collars and regimental striped ties. He carried his raincoat over his arm. He just really looked the part. He got a lot of good stories that way.’’