Obituary of Brian A. Morris

Brian A. Morris, 76 A PR professional, but family came first Brian A. Morris, 76, a native Staten Islander, passed away Monday, June 8, at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, Manhattan. He was the devoted husband of MaryRose (Barranco) Morris. Together they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in March. Born on Staten Island, Brian was the son of the late Charles V. Morris and the late Rose (Corrier) Morris. He graduated from Augustinian Academy, and went on to attend Villanova University, ultimately returning home to finish his education at Wagner College so that he could remain closer to his true love, MaryRose. An avid baseball player, he was invited to play in the Minor Leagues. At 22, Brian began his impressive career with a Pulitzer Prize nomination in General News for his piece on a scandal at the Staten Island Ferry. He was a writer at the Staten Island Advance in his early career and in marketing and graphic design in the later part of his career. He was a member of the faculty at Wagner College, Brookdale Community College and St. John's University. His expertise would bring him to work directly with three Staten Island borough presidents, the late Robert Connor and Anthony Gaeta and Ralph Lamberti. In addition, he worked with the late Assemblywoman Elizabeth Connelly, then-Assemblyman and now Federal Judge Eric Vitaliano, the late Councilman Jerome O'Donovan and then-Councilman and now District Attorney Michael McMahon. Brian went on to become the vice president of public relations at Staten Island University Hospital, where he retired in 2006. Driven to continue working, he became the VP of public relations for the Staten Island Zoological Society. Throughout his life, he remained connected to the Wagner College Alumni Association. At Wagner, he was proud of being the founder of the college's Sports Hall of Fame. Above all else, Brian was a dedicated family man and father to his four daughters, and adored grandfather to his 11 grandchildren. He enjoyed playing with his girls after his work day was done, homework time at the kitchen table and science project construction. He loved teaching his girls to be handy around the house and finding new and exciting vacation getaways to experience with his family. Brian was a true believer in family first and would do anything for his girls. He is recalled by all those whom he has touched as calm, kind, gentle and just an all-around wonderful man. Brian will be deeply missed by his family and friends alike. In addition to his wife MaryRose, he is survived by four daughters, Melanie Morris (Edward), Melissa Morris, Marnee Morris (John) and Meredith MacDonald (Christopher), 11 grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Brian was preceded in death by a sister, Lorraine Weisner, and brother, Robert Morris. Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wagner College Alumni Association in his name. Matthew Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Matthew Funeral Home 2508 Victory Boulevard Staten Island, N.Y. 10314 (718) 761-5544