Roger Gardner Morey, 92, died with dignity at home in Harwich MA July 12, 2017, surrounded in love by his family and nurse. The son of the late Gardner Levi and Ethel Elizabeth (Ripperger) Morey, he was born on April 4, 1925 in Flushing, New York. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary-Alice (McKinstry) Morey, with whom he raised a family in Natick from 1958 to her death in 2011. Roger leaves his companion, Joan Stevens, with whom he shared love, laughter and especially song the past five years in Harwich. During his long life, Roger was known for truly being interested not just in family and friends but acquaintances, including those who provided medical care. Until retiring in 1990 as a regional sales manager for Hunt Wesson foods, he was respected and loved by a network of New England associates. Upon retiring, he explored new opportunities, singing barbershop harmony with the New Sound Assembly, volunteering with the Open Door community kitchen at St. Paul’s Church in Natick, driving the blind to appointments, and helping his wife with her care and gardens. In World War II Mr. Morey served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps as radioman/navigator on B-29s. He was a 1949 graduate of Adelphi College where he met his future wife, Mary-Alice. His love of all things nautical including sailing his Comet class sailboat on Lake Cochituate, model ship building, and even bird carving were based on his years as a Sea Scout on Flushing Bay, NY. In addition to his loving companion, Joan, he is survived by his daughter Pamela M. and husband Michael Sherrill of Rumford RI, son Richard H. Morey and Lorelei Stevens of Harwich MA, and daughter Elizabeth A. Morey of Foxboro MA. He was the rock and inspiration for grandson Joshua Morey Okolita and Tyna Butka of Swampscott MA, granddaughter Ellen E. Okolita and husband Aaron Newbury of Gray ME, and granddaughter Sarah S. Okolita and husband Brandon Nastanski of Richmond VA. He was the cherished great-grandfather of Ivy and Olive Newbury who shared his passion for loons, hummingbirds and all creatures. He also leaves his nephew Roger Morey Thayer and wife Lisa of Easthampton NY and niece Nancy Thayer and husband Harry Sandler of Bridgehampton NY. Mr. Morey was a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley and Roger Morey, who probably arrived on the Lyon about the same time as his “cousin,” Roger Williams in 1631. Both went on to settle Providence, Williams in 1636 and Morey following by 1643. Many of Roger Morey’s sons (Mowry, Mory) became prominent citizens of what became Washington, Newport and Providence Counties, RI. Other noteworthy ancestors include Thomas Macy, Richard Gardner, Tristam Coffin, and Edward Starbuck, early settlers of Nantucket. By the early 1800s many in the family had settled in Rensselaer County, NY. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 17 at 10 am at the Harwich United Methodist Church, 1 Church Street, Harwich, followed by burial at Glenwood Cemetery, 21 Glenwood Street, Natick around 1:30. Reception at Sherrill Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 39 East Central Street, Natick will be held until 4 pm. Friends are invited to join family at any part of the day.

Pam - I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. He obviously lived a full and rewarding life. May he rest in peace.

Beth i am so sorry for your loss your in my thoughts.

Beth, Richard and Pam, YouR dad was such a good man. It was obvious how much he loved all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. love, nancy olsen (burgess)

Dear Pam and Mike, we are so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he lived a very full and happy life. Thank G'd. Sandy and John

So sorry for your loss Rich.

Beth, Richard and Pam, It was a delight to know your dad and his loving smile he always had for you. I am sorry for his passing. love from laura & Chris