By Joshua Burd
Joe Morris, the co-founder of the Morris Cos. who was known for his commanding presence and leadership in New Jersey’s commercial real estate sector, died this week. He was 81.
Industry leaders, including NAIOP New Jersey, paid tribute to the longtime developer on Friday while sharing an obituary for the Bedminster resident. The notice said Morris, the chairman of the Rutherford-based firm, was surrounded by his family when he died Dec. 3, following a career that spanned more than five decades and was marked by the development of large, well-located warehouses and deep relationships with corporate tenants.
NAIOP New Jersey inducted Morris into its hall of fame in 2013.
“Joe held various leadership roles with our chapter is remembered fondly for his dedication to industry priorities,” the association wrote Friday in a LinkedIn post. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him.”
The second of four children, the Brooklyn native and polio survivor grew up in Great Neck, New York. He co-founded the Morris Cos. with his brother Robbie in 1971 and would build some 30 million square feet over five decades, according to the firm’s website, noting that they remained lifelong business partners at the helm of a company grounded in family loyalty and perseverance.
The firm’s recent projects include an 873,744-square-foot warehouse and distribution center on Doremus Avenue in Newark and a more than 1.2 million-square-foot facility on Rahway Avenue in the Avenel section of Woodbridge.
“Known for his sharp wit and strong will, Joe also had a soft heart, especially for his family and his animals, including his cat Pumpkin and his dog Philo,” Morris’ family wrote in his obituary. “He lived with great energy, captaining boats, spear-fishing, scuba-diving and moving quickly in all things.”
Morris is survived by Jennifer Morris, his wife of 35 years, as well as his daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Noah; his grandson, Meir; his sister, Nancie; and his brother, Robbie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Max, and his brother, Peter.
A funeral service was held at Anshei Emuna Synagogue on Jog Road in Delray Beach, with burial at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, according to the obituary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Chabad of East Delray.
