Dr. Richard J. Morris | Family physician, 81

Dr. Richard J. Morris, 81, of Media, a family doctor for more than 50 years, died of sepsis Monday, Dec. 26, at home.

Dr. Morris established a practice in Chester in 1958. He later moved to Elwyn. For the last six years, he maintained an office in Wilmington. He was on the staff of Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

He was a physician to four generations of families, his daughter Stacy Yore said. Babies he delivered grew up to bring their children to him for care, his daughter said. He made a house call as recently as three months ago, she said.

Dr. Morris grew up in Chester, where he was a soda jerk in his father's drugstore. He graduated from Chester High School and earned a bachelor's degree and medical degree from Temple University. He interned at Chester Hospital.

In 1956, he married Cecily Gusman after a whirlwind romance.

"He loved to dance," be it the jitterbug, swing, or ballroom, granddaughter Ashley Yore said. "He moved with grace and would lead like a pro."

Besides his wife and daughter, Dr. Morris is survived by daughters Meredith Schnoll and Debra Kallen; a brother; a sister; and six grandchildren.

A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Congregation Ohev Shalom, 2 Chester Rd., Wallingford, Pa. 19086. Burial will be in Brookhaven Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Ohev Shalom or to the American Cancer Society, 1514 West Chester Pike, Suite 102, West Chester, Pa. 19382.