William J. Morris
February 11, 2023
William “Bill” Joseph Morris, a lifelong Greenwich resident, passed from this world on Feb 11, 2023, in his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born March 23, 1943, to John and Agnes (McCafferty) Morris. Billy, as he was called by friends, went to St. Mary’s parochial schools and played Basketball, Football and Track. He was known as one of the best athletes to ever come out of town.
He attended Loyola University in Maryland and continued his sports excellence. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science and then served two tours in Vietnam as a Captain in the US Army. After the war, he returned home and taught school part time at St. Mary’s High School and became part of the basketball coaching staff touching many young lives and minds.
Bill soon met and fell in love with Bernadette (Bonnie) Blume. He instantly became a big brother and father figure to Bonnie’s large and spirited family. Bill and Bonnie managed and operated a favorite local watering hole called Bits and Pieces. Yet, the bar life wasn’t meant to be as a family was started and children came in quick succession. The family trade of house painting became his way to support the growing family. He continued with his passion of sports playing softball and tennis around town. He and his handball friends were a staple of the Greenwich YMCA.
Bill was a very kind and generous man. He was a man of few words, but you could always rely on his dry/quick humor to make you laugh. He was always available to help a friend or a stranger. The Morris children were lucky enough to have friends in and out of their home at any time. Bill’s friends and family always knew they could rely on a quick dump run or a highly discounted painting job.
Left to honor his legacy are his wife, Bonnie; children Matt (Christie), Meghan, Molly, Marlyn; grandchildren Katie, Anessa, Connor; granddogs Bizzy, Goosey, Archie, DeeDee, Benny; and his brother Clyde. He was predeceased by his parents John and Agnes, siblings Jack, Mura, Robert, Patrick and grandson Jack.
A memorial mass will be held at Saint Mary’s Church, 178 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT on Friday February 17 at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be made to Saint Jude Childrens Research Hospital. www.stjude.org