Thomas R. Morgan

He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Lynn Morgan and Scott Rothenberg, Susan and Larry Anderson, and Beth Morgan and Demetrio Cuzzocrea; four grandsons, Alan Herzog, Brandon Herzog, Thomas Cuzzocrea, and Jack Cuzzocrea; and a great-granddaughter, Audrey Herzog. General Morgan's wife of 66 years, Barbara, died on September 7, 2023.

General Morgan was born January 6, 1930, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the son of Harry C. and Olwen G. (Pierce) Morgan and grew up in nearby Slatington. He graduated from Slatington High School in 1948, where he was a three-sport varsity athlete in basketball, baseball, and football. He was also the basketball team captain in his junior and senior years. A gifted athlete, he was also an accomplished student and the Junior and Senior Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, and voted most dependable and most likely to succeed. After high school, he attended Colgate University where he played basketball, was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952, majoring in History and Political Science. After graduation from Colgate, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

General Morgan served in the Marine Corps for 36 years holding various leadership positions. His career began as a Naval Aviator with over 2000 flight hours, including a combat tour in Vietnam. His staff assignments took him around the world and across the U.S., including serving as the Executive Officer of the NROTC unit at the University of Virginia, where he received a Master of Arts degree in Counselor Education. His lengthy military career culminated in his being selected as the 21st Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. Throughout his career he was known for his sharp intellect, consummate professionalism, his ability to teach and lead, and his diplomatic nature. He exemplified the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

After retiring, he served on the Board of Governors of the USO for 10 years and the Board of Directors of the Armed Forces Benefits Association (AFBA) for 15 years. He served as a Senior Fellow for the National Defense University's CAPSTONE Course for well over 20 years, which offered him the opportunity to mentor generals and flag officers from all branches of the military. He served as Military Advisor to the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) for over 20 years. In 2011, he was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Colgate University.

To his family who loved him, he was, above all, a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He delighted in having a good time and in memories of family adventures together: courting his beloved Barb in Hawaii, skiing in the Swiss Alps, watching UVA basketball games, road-tripping with his grandsons on numerous grandfather-grandson trips up and down both coasts of the U.S., hitting a hole in one on the Greenbrier golf course, and engaging in lively political or sports discussions around the dinner table with his family.

He had a way with people and gave selflessly of himself to everyone around him. His wisdom was sought by many for he offered counsel that was grounded and compassionate. He was down-to-earth and always there to lend a listening ear. He was a loyal and invaluable friend. He lived a full and meaningful life and was as good as they come. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service is being planned for early February. For more information on date/time, please email [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Fund or the Fisher House Foundation’s Scholarship for Military Children.