Hundreds packed the Holy Name Church in New Rochelle Saturday for a funeral mass for New Rochelle firefighter Keith Morris who died earlier in the week after a boating accident in waters off of Connecticut.
In a moving, uplifting and, at times, humorous eulogy, family friend Vin Parise described Morris as a man with a heart of gold. Parise celebrated Morris’ life, drawing knowing smiles describing Morris as a guy who would, literally, give you the shirt off his back. Morris was a physical fitness enthusiast whose physique graced the cover of the New Rochelle firefighters calendar. Parise recalled a 2002 “kick off return” by Morris at an Iona College football game noting that Morris was not actually on the team, carrying a flag not a football and not wearing a uniform (or anything else for that matter).
In Honor of Keith Morris and Family
Keith, I didn’t know you but to say hello…and I don’t know your dad except for a few brief stops at Spec’s throughout the year. But, I attended your wake on Friday, your funeral and post-event at Spec’s on Saturday out of respect for you, your family and the NRFD.
Throughout the day on Saturday, I spoke with some of your many, many friends and the more I did that the more I wished I had known you better. You and your family made New Rochelle a better place and for that I will always be grateful, as I love this city.
The best anyone who considers you and your family friends can do going forward is to try and do what you all did, make the New Rochelle commuunity a better place.
It is said that a true reflection of the character of a person is judged not only by how much they love others but how much they are loved by others.
After my many conversations on Saturday I can truly say that I know few New Rochelleans who are loved by as many people as you and your family.
May God grant you peace and grant the Morris family and your NRFD family comfort.