By Joshua Burd
Joe Morris, the co-founder of the Morris Cos. who was known for his commanding presence and leadership in New Jersey’s commercial real estate sector, died last week. He was 81.
Industry leaders, including NAIOP New Jersey, paid tribute to the longtime developer on Friday while sharing an obituary for the Bedminster resident. The notice said Morris, the chairman of the Rutherford-based firm, was surrounded by his family when he died Dec. 3, following a career that spanned more than five decades and was marked by the development of large, well-located warehouses and deep relationships with corporate tenants.
NAIOP New Jersey inducted Morris into its hall of fame in 2013.
“Joe held various leadership roles with our chapter is remembered fondly for his dedication to industry priorities,” the association wrote Friday in a LinkedIn post. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him.”
The second of four children, the Brooklyn native and polio survivor grew up in Great Neck, New York. He co-founded the Morris Cos. with his brother Robbie in 1971 and would build some 30 million square feet over five decades, according to the firm’s website, noting that they remained lifelong business partners at the helm of a company grounded in family loyalty and perseverance.
The firm’s recent projects include an 873,744-square-foot warehouse and distribution center on Doremus Avenue in Newark and a more than 1.2 million-square-foot facility on Rahway Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge.
“Known for his sharp wit and strong will, Joe also had a soft heart, especially for his family and his animals, including his cat Pumpkin and his dog Philo,” Morris’ family wrote in his obituary. “He lived with great energy, captaining boats, spear-fishing, scuba-diving and moving quickly in all things.”
Morris is survived by Jennifer Morris, his wife of 35 years, as well as his daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Noah; his grandson, Meir; his sister, Nancie; and his brother, Robbie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Max, and his brother, Peter.
A funeral service was held at Anshei Emuna Synagogue on Jog Road in Delray Beach, with burial at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, according to the obituary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Chabad of East Delray.
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Kenneth Hodor
So sorry to hear about Joes' passing-we had enjoyed times in both Saddle Rock as well as in high school-would like to take a moment to thank Joan Sherman who was kind enough to bring us together with her and Joe in his Palm Beach home. It was a delightful dinner/evening. In addition, I would like to address how much work and detail Joan has brought to her undertaking to allow us a chance to relive moments from High School-Joan, you've done a great job over the years and hope everyone has recogniized this effort. Hope all is well-Ken
Michael Penchina
I remember Joe from Saddle Rock school he had that crazy laugh that was caused by the polio. What a great guy, I remember talking to him at our first reunion about how he was working in his fathers business. He really became a incredible builder .
RIP my friend 💋
Joan Parsly (Sherman)
I coudn't get Joe to come to our 50th, but when we discovered we lived near each other in New Jersey we saw each other many times...Joe and his wife Jennifer invited me to their homes for parties and celebrations ever since. When I moved to Florida, Joe was nearby and our friendship continued.... there was never a time when a classmate died that he didn't call to hear what I knew....Joe was a family man! His business success aside he only wanted to be a grandfather....his daughter Sarah had a baby boy last March and he spent every morning feeding him breakfast....That's the Joe I remember, happy till the end. RIP dear Joe.