On August 18, 2022, Philip Morrison, age 77, of Stormville, NY, passed away at home; surrounded by his family, after his second battle with cancer. Phil was an unforgettable man; always ready with a joke, smile and in pursuit of the next adventure. He was a kind and generous man, full of one-liners and phrases that his family lovingly called “Philisms.” Most who knew him earned a nickname, as he radiated joy and a positive outlook on life.
Philip Daniel Morrison was born to Eleanor Elizabeth (Small) and Guy Loren Morrison on July 25,1945 in Mt. Kisco, NY. He was the youngest of seven boys, being raised in Katonah, NY and was a member of the class of 1963 of John Jay HS in Cross River, NY.
In 1970, Philip married Cynthia Pinckney, and they raised their 5 children in the house they built in Stormville, NY. Philip was a resident there for nearly 50 years.
Phil was a paratrooper in the 82nd airborne division of the US Army. He then worked as a tree climber for Keene Tree Service of Bedford Hills. There he learned skills and techniques that lasted a lifetime. He enjoyed performing tricks up in the treetops, such as hanging upside down to entertain the people below. For 30 years, he worked for N&S Supply as a commercial driver in the Westchester area. In his retirement years, he also worked part time delivering medication to the Bronx for Resolution Rx of Pawling.
In addition to being a hard worker and family man, Phil’s greatest joy was being able to share his Christian faith with others for more than 50 years. He shared the gospel in NYC through street preaching. Later in life, he focused on the Hudson Valley; particularly the Walkway over the Hudson, where he passed out religious tracts, which he had in over 75 languages. He most recently was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Fishkill, NY.
Phil was a friendly, adventurous person who lived life to the fullest. Skiing, hiking, salt and freshwater fishing, zip lining and bungee jumping were some of his favorite hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Sharing adventures with his grandchildren brought him much joy. Long after his children graduated from Arlington, he continued to be a loyal fan at football and basketball games.
Phil was predeceased by his parents and his 6 older brothers. His brothers were Reverends Wayne and David, as well as Donald, Guy, Grant, and Peter. In 2021, his oldest, beloved grandson, Robert Larca, age 22, also passed away.
Phil is survived by his bride, Cindy, of nearly 52 years, their 5 children and spouses, as well as 12 grandchildren: Carol and (Fred) Larca of Shohola, PA, formerly of Goshen, NY and children; Katherine, Alexa, and Corinne. Rev. Paul and (Julie) Morrison of Wappinger’s Falls, NY and children; Caitlyn, Lindsay, Ashley, and Guy. Sharon and (Lenny) Giustino of Fishkill, NY and children; Logan and Victoria. Mark and (Kristin) Morrison of Stormville, NY and children; Olivia, Matthew, and Dakota. Rebecca and (Philip) Toretta of Hopewell Junction, NY. Phil also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022 11am at the Fishkill United Methodist Church, 38 Broad St., Fishkill, NY. Interment following at the Maple Avenue Cemetery in Patterson, NY. Friends may call at 1 Putnam Avenue, Brewster, NY on Thursday Aug. 25 from 4-8pm with a service and sharing time, starting at 6:30pm.
