Reverend Lester G. Morris
Posted on:
Monday, March 30, 2009 - 10:24am
The Reverend Lester G. Morris, retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009, in Middletown. He was 79. Father Morris had been a hospital chaplain, parochial victor of several parishes in the diocese, and was pastor of St. Colman Church in Middlefield when he retired in 2004.
Father Morris was born in Chicago, IL, June 30, 1929, son of the late Fred Leslie Morris and Barbara (Fischer) Morris. Father Morris was a graduate of the University of Chicago and prepared for the priesthood at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell. He also studied at St. Paul Pontifical University, Ottawa, Canada. Father Morris was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1991, by Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, D.D., Bishop of Norwich at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Norwich. Prior to his appointment as Pastor of St. Colman in Middlefield in 1996, Father Morris served as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary, Star of the Sea in New London, having previously been Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew in Colchester. Immediately following his ordination, Father Morris served as the Chaplain at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Among his most distinguished recognitions was a Fulbright Grant to teach at the Underhill School, England.
Father Morris is survived by a brother, Frederick F. Morris; and a sister, Marie Kohler and her husband John, all of Chicago, IL; also several nieces and nephews.
The transfer of the body to St. Colman Church in Middlefield took place on Sunday, March 29. The funeral mass will be celebrated by Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich on Monday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Colman Church, 145 Hubbard Street, Middlefield. Burial will be in the Priests Plot at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich. Biega Funeral Home, Middletown, is handling the arrangements.
