[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1307-E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF EDWARD ``ED'' MORRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2022

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the rich life of 
Edward `Ed' V. Morris of Niantic Village, East Lyme, Connecticut. Aged 
97, Ed departed from this earth peacefully on November 23rd, 2022. Ed 
was a giant within East Lyme and the surrounding community, and his 
passing forces a farewell upon us to a member of the greatest 
generation.
  Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Ed purposed his life toward 
strengthening his Connecticut roots and influencing opinions and 
decisions throughout the region. Though this is central to the arc of 
his life, it is worth acknowledging that immediately upon turning age 
18, Ed heeded our nation's call to action and honorably served in the 
U.S. Army in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. Ed was 
deservedly very proud of that service and over the years, he was a 
regular at the East Lyme Memorial Day Parade, wearing his garrison cap.
  When Ed returned to Harford in 1946 after the war, he wasted no time 
in picking up right where he left off at age 17 pursuing his passion to 
work in the newspaper business. He returned to his first place of work, 
the Hartford Times, setting off on what would become a loyal 25 year 
long career with the agency until it, unfortunately, closed in 1971. 
Ever the adaptive, dedicated soul, Ed kept with his passion for 
circulating news, continuing his work with other local productions 
including the Hartford Courant and then the Manchester Journal 
Inquirer, before impressively retiring at age 70.
  Ed's decades of experience in local journalism dovetailed with 
another passion of his, connecting with his community. In committing so 
wholly to his humble, meaningful line of work, Ed became a reliable and 
known personality amongst clientele, vendors, and small businesses 
alike. Whether delivering information to the local diner or 
neighborhood storefront, he kept up with the local conversation, 
becoming a direct conduit and invaluable source for reporters at every 
agency he worked for.
  Equipped with such a gregarious personality and having developed such 
a knack for keeping an ear to the beat of the town, it is no surprise 
that he transferred his experience into political leadership. Outside 
of the newspaper industry and well into retirement, Ed utilized his 
spare time to push for greater community involvement and gather 
feedback on improving the region from his neighbors. He was a known 
presence, particularly in East Lyme, having served for years between 
roles including the Board of Selectman, Chairman of the Democratic Town 
Committee and the representative for the 20th district of the 
Democratic State Central Committee.
  Madam Speaker, I can personally attest to the strength of Ed's 
character and outgoing, friendly personality, each of which we will not 
soon forget. It is an honor to know and represent constituents of the 
Second District, like Ed, who have been so purposeful in growing their 
personal and familial ties to our state.
  Though we mourn this incredible loss, we can find appreciation that 
his memory and legacy will live on through his family as well as the 
countless number of individuals who knew him personally. He is 
specifically survived by his children, Brian and Christine Morris of 
Glastonbury, Connecticut, Pamela Seibert of Wakefield, Massachusetts, 
Richard `Dick' Morris and his wife Deborah of East Lyme, as well as his 
grandchildren and much larger extended family who reside throughout 
Connecticut and Massachusetts. Dick Morris in fact followed in his 
father's footsteps as a community leader serving as Fire Marshal of the 
East Lyme Fire Department. As we memorialize his near century's worth 
of service to our region and the nation, I ask that my colleagues in 
the House join me in paying tribute to Ed Morris, codifying his name 
and life well-lived.

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