Morris Cheston Jr., lawyer

Morris Cheston Jr., 78, of Spring House, a lawyer as renowned for his civic work as for his legal skills, died Sunday, June 5, of a heart attack at home.

Mr. Cheston joined the Philadelphia law firm of Ballard Spahr L.L.P. in 1964. He became a partner in 1971 and senior counsel in 2009. His specialties were securities and corporate law, and legal matters involving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Perhaps his signature achievement in Philadelphia came in 1997 when, as board chairman of Pennsylvania Hospital, he campaigned for and implemented the merger of Pennsylvania Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania Health System into Penn Medicine. He served on Penn Medicine's board of directors and its executive committee until stepping down in 2013.

In appreciation of Mr. Cheston's years of service, Penn Medicine unveiled a portrait of him at Pennsylvania Hospital on Oct. 27, 2014.

"Throughout his tenure, he has helped to launch major capital projects which have enhanced the hospital's ability to provide its legendary patient care," Penn Medicine posted on its Facebook page.

"His service to Pennsylvania Hospital and the community will be an inspiring legacy for years to come, and his portrait will serve as a powerful reminder to future leaders of his unparalleled dedication."

Mr. Cheston's civic reach extended beyond Pennsylvania Hospital. He was chairman of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Philadelphia Flower Show, chairman of the board of the Philadelphia Zoo, director of the New Jersey State Aquarium, chairman of the board of Chestnut Hill Academy, a trustee of Springside School, and a director of what is now the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

Jane G. Pepper, former president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and current president of the Longwood Gardens board of trustees, knew Mr. Cheston well and recalled him fondly.

"Morris was a lawyer who made a special impact on our community, serving in key roles with many organizations," she wrote in an email. "As president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society until 2010, I was fortunate to enjoy his advice and enthusiasm as a dedicated volunteer for more than 20 years."

Morris Cheston Jr. was the son of Morris Cheston of Chestnut Hill. They followed similar paths as senior partner of Ballard Spahr and as board chairman of Pennsylvania Hospital.

The senior Morris Cheston was a son of Radcliffe Cheston, a founder of Chestnut Hill Hospital, and of the former Eugenia Morris, a direct descendant of Anthony Morris, the first member of the Morris family to come to America. Anthony Morris was mayor of Philadelphia in the early 18th century.

Born in Ambler, Mr. Cheston graduated from St. Paul's School in 1955, Princeton University in 1959, and Harvard Law School in 1964. He played varsity lacrosse and ice hockey while at Princeton and was selected captain of the hockey team his senior year.

After completing the Navy ROTC program, Mr. Cheston became an officer aboard a destroyer in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1961 with the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

He was a gifted ice hockey player, trying out for the 1960 U.S. Olympic team. Although he narrowly missed qualifying, Mr. Cheston traveled with his fellow athletes to Squaw Valley, Calif., and watched the team win a gold medal. For many years afterward, he played for the St. Nicholas Hockey Club and the Wissahickon Skating Club.

He served as a director of the Garden Conservancy, Chestnut Hill, Springside Foundation, and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, King's College in Wilkes-Barre, and as a member of the vestry and accounting warden of St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh.

He cochaired the Garden Conservancy's Campaign to Save America's Exceptional Gardens, which reached its $15 million goal in 2011. Mr. Cheston also opened his personal garden to the public through the Conservancy's Open Days program.

In addition, he was a member of the Philadelphia Club, the Sunnybrook Golf Club, and the Rabbit Club, a private eating and drink society.

Since childhood, he had spent summers in North Haven, Maine, where he developed a special bond with the island and its inhabitants.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cynthia Mitchell Cheston; daughter Melinda; sons Morris III and James II; four grandchildren; and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, June 13, at St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh, 7020 Camp Hill Rd., Fort Washington. Burial is private.

Contributions may be made in memory of Morris Cheston Jr. to Penn Medicine, 3535 Market St., Suite 750, Philadelphia 19104. Checks should be marked to benefit Pennsylvania Hospital.

bcook@phillynews.com

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