Richard Rose Morgan, Jr. of Winchester, previously of Wayland, Southborough and Pocasset, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2023, two weeks shy of his 90th birthday. Ice cream celebrations remain in place.
Known affectionally as Richard, Nick, Dick, Moose or Pop Pop, he was born in Summit, NJ on June 26, 1933, the loved son of Richard and Lucille Morgan.
He proudly grew up in New London, CT, with his treasured dog, Sandy. He held close his days and many memories of Ocean Beach, local grinders, Three Brothers Pizza, clam shacks, sweaty basketball courts and fun times on Bank Street. After attending the Harbor School and Bulkeley School, he embarked on a journey that would traverse the U.S. Navy, the University of Connecticut and Suffolk University before settling in Massachusetts for work and family.
His time in the military on the USS Brownson was a point of enormous pride but more importantly was the motivation and inspiration behind his desire to prove himself in business and life. He attended both the University of Connecticut and Suffolk University, leading to a hard-earned degree in Business. He held a love for both institutions, especially the institution of UConn basketball.
His drive and intensity coming out of college earned him an early associate role that grew into increasingly senior positions and later executive roles at Xerox over a 30-year tenure. He had a perfect record of President’s Club achievement and received numerous awards for his contributions and leadership.
Amongst all this, on Pequot Beach, he met the love of his life…Suzanne Groark, also of New London…his bride of 58 years and ultimately the mother to their four wonderful daughters – Anne, Susan, Elizabeth and Margaret. Together, they built a tight-knit family that settled and grew in Wayland, Massachusetts. Four girls, all raised with love, guidance and support and each with a special, unique place in his heart.
He and Sue traveled the world, and spent more than 40 summers in Pocasset where they made lifelong friends “on campus” and welcomed countless friends of children and grandchildren.
These great joys were matched by endless, wonderful moments seated in front of stages, on sidelines, bleachers, decks and at dinner tables reveling in the activities of the grandchildren.
Beyond all achievements though, for most people, Pop Pop will perhaps always be remembered for simply being Pop Pop. He was a presence, larger than life, no matter where. Among a beach community or anywhere for that matter, the unofficial mayor. At events for his grandchildren, the head cheerleader. Among family, a common bond, a bedrock. With friends, the life of the party. At work, a role model for hard work and integrity. And always and forever, a booming voice and infectious joy for all…silenced for now, but never to be forgotten.
He is survived by his daughters Anne M. Morgan of Lincoln; Susan E. Hobart of Framingham; Elizabeth M. Charter and her husband Gareth of Needham; and Margaret R.M. Mack and her husband Richard of Winchester. He is the proud grandfather of Stephanie, Sarah and Michele Hobart; Ryan, Kathryn and Lily Charter; and McKenzie and Richard (Toby) Mack. He is the proud great grandfather to Madison and Grace Hobart. He is also survived by his beloved sister-in-law Joan Miller and her husband Walter Miller of Bridgehampton, NY. He is predeceased by his wife Suzanne; his sister Patricia and her husband John; and brother-in-law Tom and sister-in-law Eunice.
In addition, the family wants to extend a special thank you to Frances, Roger, Victor and Winnie of Atlas Home Care for their unbelievable support and comfort in recent months. Together, with the teams at Care Dimensions and The Gables at Winchester, this peaceful transition would not have been possible.
Services will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road, Wayland.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Ann Church, 124 Cochituate Road, Wayland. Interment will follow in the Morgan family lot in North Cemetery in Wayland, with a reception afterwards for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, his family kindly asks that Pop Pop be honored and remembered by planting a flower to live on, enjoying a big ice cream cone or simply giving someone a hearty hello (but preferably all three).
(Photo and Obituary via John C. Bryant Funeral Home)
