UPDATED
Bay Ridge’s elected officials joined the Bay Ridge community at large in mourning the death of Larry Morrish, a beloved Bay Ridge civic leader whose work in the community stretched back more than 40 years. Morrish died early this morning.
Morrish was instrumental in the founding the Bay Ridge Ambulance Volunteer Organization in the early 1970s, the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the early 1990s and the Bay Ridge Unity Task Force in 2000. He also wrote “My Good News,” a column for the Bay Ridge Eagle, a weekly newspaper published by theBrooklyn Daily Eagle for several years.
The following are the mournful thoughts and remembrances of Morrish from the local elected officials:
Senator Marty Golden: “Today, my family and I join with in mourning the loss of my dear friend Larry Morrish. At so many levels, Larry has made a difference in our neighborhood, and has left a legacy that will surely live on. Larry cared about this neighborhood like no one else I have ever worked with. Larry was a friend to so many of us, and was one of kind in that he brought out the best in all of us. A man full of such love and goodwill – for his wife Phillipa, his family, his friends, our military, our police, our parks, and our neighborhood – Larry was truly a man who lived a great life.Watch over us Larry for we still need your guidance. May you rest in peace my friend, and may prayers of comfort for his wife and family be abundant.”
City Councilman Vincent Gentile: “I and the entire Bay Ridge community begin this week with heavy hearts as civic leader, community organizer, patriot, husband, and friend of many, Larry Morrish, has passed. The unofficial Mayor of Bay Ridge, Larry cared about two things: Bay Ridge and helping his fellow neighbors of Bay Ridge. His jovial personality and positive attitude was infectious. His presence never went unnoticed, whether we were at a festival, community event, community board meeting or simply having a cup of coffee.
“He represented the small town Brooklyn, where we still have a sense of true communal neighborhoods. He made Bay Ridge a better place to live just by being Larry. He was instrumental in helping form the Bravo Volunteer Ambulance Service, which is New York State’s largest volunteer service. Most recently, Larry was a tireless advocate for the St. Nicholas Home for the Aged. Larry always loved the fact that he was inducted into the Fort Hamilton High School Alumni Hall of Fame and I will always be honored to be among those in the Hall with Larry.
“Larry was a role model for what it means to be a true community activist. As the old saying goes, “If you want something done, you give it to a busy person,” and that person was Larry. Bay Ridge is left with a large void that will never be filled. I send my deepest condolences to his wife Phillipa and to the Morrish family and friends.”
Bay Ridge/Staten Island Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis: “I was deeply saddened to learn the passing of Larry Morrish, a friend and community servant who spent decades fighting for the people of Brooklyn. As a founder of Bravo Volunteer Ambulance, an active member of the Bay Ridge Community Council and Bay Ridge Unity Task Force, and a passionate advocate for Fort Hamilton Army Base and Bay Ridge’s many military veterans, Larry always had the well-being of his community at heart. He will certainly remain in ours. He will be sorely missed.”
Bay Ridge/Dyker Heights/Coney Island Assembly Member Pamela Harris: Meeting Larry was one of the biggest highlights of my life. He’s the one that started taking me around Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights when I first decided to run. Even though my dad and brother grew up in Bay Ridge, he brought me back full circle and took me around. To me he was a huge inspiration. To think I won’t see him anymore or talk to him. It’s a big loss and hurt for me and I’m going to miss him.”
Sunset Park Assembly Member and Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz: Brooklyn has lost a great community leader. I was sad to learn of Larry Morrish’s passing today. He was a true friend and advocate for Bay Ridge. A true “citizen activist,” Larry could be found running a parade, assisting in a local community office or doing so many wonderful deeds for his friends and neighbors. I always counted on Larry for his advice, guidance and leadership. My thoughts and condolences go to his wife Phillipa, his family and neighbors.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer: “Larry Morrish was the beating heart of Bay Ridge. From preserving Fort Hamilton to bolstering youth services to supporting BRAVO and Bay Ridge’s many wonderful festivals and parades, no one called my office with more things for us to do than Larry Morrish. He is the very best of Brooklyn and lived and breathed to make his beloved Bay Ridge a better place for all who call it home. May he rest in peace.”
Morrish is survived by his wife Phillipa Morrish and other relatives.
Visiting is on Friday, Feb. 12 from 2-9 p.m. at Joseph P. Clavin Sons, Inc. 7722 Fourth Avenue
Mass: Saturday (2/13) 10:30 AM @ Our Lady of Angels Church
Crematory: Green-Wood Crematory
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Bay Ridge Center or St. Nicholas Home, Inc.
KCP thanks the Brooklyn Eagle for portions of this post and the feature photo.
