Senate Resolution No. 623
BY: Senator STEC
MOURNING the death of Gerald H. Morrow,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow, lovingly called "Jerry" by friends and
family, of Verona, New York, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the age
of 76; and
WHEREAS, Born in Plattsburgh, New York, on September 20, 1948, to
the late Harold and Bernadette (Bezio) Morrow, Gerald H. Morrow was the
oldest of five children, and his siblings included Sandra, Terrilynn,
Marion, and David; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from Keeseville High School in
June, 1967, Gerald H. Morrow married his late wife Diane Giddings on
November 28, 1968, at St. John's Catholic Church in Keeseville, New
York, and together they shared the joy of raising their beloved
daughter, Lisa; and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow worked at the Grand Union Company grocery
store from 1967-1983, and after his retirement he founded his own hay
farming business and Morrow's Construction Company; and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow's business ventures were successful, and
he produced over 30,000 bales of hay per year and completed many
renovations and construction of homes and barns all over the North
Country; the last home he built was his late wife Diane's dream home in
Keeseville, New York; and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, With a love for his community and a desire to give back to
those around him, Gerald H. Morrow became drawn to public service, and
he was a village trustee for the Village of Keeseville from 1973-1976,
Chesterfield Town Councilman from 1986-1993, Chesterfield Town
Supervisor from 1994-2020, and member of the Essex County Board of
Supervisors until 2019; and
WHEREAS, After his retirement, Jerry moved to his new home in
Verona, New York, with his fiance, Patricia Maffa, and they oftentimes
shared the pleasure of attending shows and concerts at the nearby
Turning Stone Casino; and
WHEREAS, The Knights of Columbus was an important part of Gerald H.
Morrow's life, and he had served as Grand Knight and President for the
Eugene Santor Council Knights of Columbus No. 4689 for many years, in
addition to being a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus in
Plattsburgh since 1994, where he was a faithful navigator of the 4th
degree; and
WHEREAS, During his retirement, Gerald H. Morrow remained on the
board of the United Way, and his involvement with the United Way allowed
him to continue to serve his community and give back to those in need;
and
WHEREAS, Gerald H. Morrow is survived by his fiance, Patricia Maffa;
daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Randy Kelley; granddaughter Alexis
(Kelley) Kosowski and her husband, Zack Kosowki; great-grandson Carson
J. Kosowski; granddaughter Brooke Kelley and her significant other,
Colin; and his brothers and sisters, David Morrow and wife, Christine,
Terrilynn Favreau and husband, Jimmy, and Marion King; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Gerald H. Morrow leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Gerald H. Morrow, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Gerald H. Morrow.
