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IN MEMORIAM: Steven D. Morris, 73;

Vietnam Era Vet; Gas Company Owner

CHERRY VALLEY – Steven D. Morris, Vietnam Era veteran and former owner of The Gas Company in Cooperstown, passed away late Sunday morning, February 7, 2021, at The Foltsbrook Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Herkimer. He was 73.

Born March 27, 1947, in Cooperstown, Steve was one of four sons of Floyd G. and Martha J. (Klein) Morris. Upon graduation from the Andrew S. Draper Central School in Schenevus, he attended the Cambridge School of Broadcasting in Boston,  and earned a one-year certificate.

On June 12, 1967, Steve entered into active service with the Army, and proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era while stationed in Japan. He received his honorable discharge on June 11, 1970.

During his time in the military, Steve married the former Santa Grace Sapienza on July 6, 1968, in Cooperstown.

Upon his return stateside, Steve joined his father and brother, Carter in owning and operating The Gas Company, a business fixture in Cooperstown for over 80 years.

Steve was an active life member of the Clark F. Simmons American Legion Post No. 579 in Cooperstown. He always enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow veterans, and was active with their honor guard, taking part in many ceremonies and funeral honors.

Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Santa G. Morris of Cherry Valley; their two sons, Garrett Morris and wife, Autumn, of Richmond, Va., and Casey Morris of Cooperstown; and was the very proud grandfather of Elliott Morris. He is further survived by two brothers, Douglas K. Morris of Cathedral City, Calif., and Carter R. Morris of Newport, Herkimer County; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Floyd, who died in 1982; his mother, Martha, who died in 2017; and a brother, David Morris.

While there will be no services at this time, please remember for now the times you spent with Steve, his ever present smile and sly sense of humor, and know that he is at peace.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

 

Posted

9 Comments

  1. Wishing the Morris and the Sapienza families our sincere sympathy. Steve was a wonderful man with an incredible sense of humor. Anyone who was lucky enough to see Steve portray Father Guido Sardoucci knows of his talents.

    Kevin and Pati Grady

  2. Dear Santa and families, I’m Charlie Klein and cousin to steve. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My only memories of Steve were when I was 5 years old. We lived down the street from the Morris family in Westford. All my memories of Steve are good. He was always friendly to me when at their house playing with Doug & David. My parents were Walter (Aunt Martha’s brother) and Betty (Bates) Klein. My two brothers are John & Tim Klein. Our family moved to Florida following Ivan and “May” Klein (grandpa & grandma) God bless you all.

  3. I will miss you Steve. You were a big part of my life. You helped me find a place to live when I was almost homeless. You were a friend and you were kind. Santa, I will help you in any way I can. You introduced me to new friends and new celebrations. Thank you.

  4. I will always remember the friendship that evolved for over 40 years. You led us on many adventurous golf trips and always invited us into your home for Thanksgiving- always a good time with great friends.
    RIP

  5. Steve was a stand up guy. I enjoyed talking, laughing & tipping back a cold one with him and his friends. He carried himself in such a way that when I saw him I’d refer to him as Senator Morris.
    RIP my friend,
    JR class of 64

  6. Morris

    Cock your arm
    And raise your glass
    To the best of comrades,
    Who now has passed.

    He brought us joy
    He made us laugh,
    Quickest of wit
    By more than half.

    Like famous Stewball
    From the rare old time,
    He never drank water,
    He only drank wine.

    Road trips, road rallies,
    He led a merry chase,
    But now WE fall behind,
    For he’s left OUR race.

    So shed a tear
    For Mo is gone,
    There is no salve
    But we’ll stagger on . . .

    . . . Stagger on

    Dan Sullivan, Bennington NH

  7. Dear Santa and Family — I’m so sorry for the loss of Steve. Please accept my deepest sympathy and best wishes.
    Randy Brown CCS ’64

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