Peter Edward Morris

Born June 14, 1967, in Holden, Massachusetts, to George and Diane Morris, Pete grew up in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, graduating from Upper St. Clair High School in 1986. He went on to Florida State University, graduating from the College of Business in 1990. It was there that he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon, forming a brotherhood and lifelong friendships that would remain among his most treasured relationships.

On September 19, 1998, Pete married the love of his life, Carolynn Joann Morizzo, beginning a marriage that would span 28 years and a partnership of 32. Their connection was immediate, sparked by a shared love of show tunes, ambitious spirits, and enthusiasm for life's adventures. Their marriage was built on mutual respect, independence, unwavering support, and the simple joy of being together. They encouraged each other's ambitions, worked hard, traveled often, and always made family their greatest priority. Pete had a gift for making an extraordinary life together feel remarkably easy.

Their greatest joy came with the births of their children, Caroline Reagan and Kenneth Pierson, in Baltimore, Maryland. Of all the roles Pete held throughout his life, none made him prouder than being their father. He was their biggest supporter, trusted adviser, enthusiastic coach, and favorite adventure companion. His warmth extended well beyond his own children. To Caroline and Kenny's friends, Pete was everyone's second dad, always ready with encouragement, advice, a good laugh, or simply a welcoming place to land. While Pete could be a formidable leader in the workplace, at home he was the easygoing peacemaker, happiest when everyone around him was happy.

Pete's professional life was distinguished by his passion for leadership, extraordinary work ethic, and genuine love of people. Throughout his career with Stanley Black & Decker, Stanley Oil & Gas, and later PAC, he held leadership roles that took him around the world. He played an instrumental role in the early growth and expansion of the DEWALT brand and later helped guide businesses through important periods of growth and transformation. Pete genuinely loved to work. He and Carolynn often spoke of never retiring. To Pete, work was never simply a job; it was an opportunity to build something meaningful, challenge himself, and bring out the best in others.

Second only to his family were the friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His SAE fraternity brothers remained among his closest companions, a brotherhood that surrounded him with extraordinary love and support during his final years. His colleagues became his work family, and his friendships stretched from childhood classmates and former neighbors to business associates and fellow adventurers across continents. Pete didn't just meet people; he kept them. His relationships were both vast and deep.

A natural connector, Pete was generous with his time, wisdom, and encouragement. Whether recommending a book, offering career advice, introducing people who ought to know one another, or sharing the latest fitness routine or emerging trend, he delighted in helping others succeed. He often said there were two kinds of people: those who brought energy into a room and those who sucked the oxygen out. Pete made it his mission to be the former. And while his personality was larger than life, he often preferred a meaningful one-on-one conversation to being the center of attention.

Pete's adventurous spirit took his family from New Jersey and Baltimore to Windsor, England, Brussels, Belgium, The Woodlands, Texas, and ultimately Tampa, Florida. Wherever they lived, he found community, built friendships, and enthusiastically embraced the local culture. In England, he became a devoted Chelsea Football Club supporter. In Belgium, life included chickens, bunnies, and yet another local football team to cheer on. His career and personal adventures took him to countless countries, although Italy was by far his favorite, second to the USA.

Of all the places Pete loved, York Beach, Maine, held a special place in his heart. Childhood summers with his parents, siblings, and his Williams cousins created lifelong bonds and sparked his love of surfing. Pete carried on the tradition with Carolynn, Caroline, and Kenny, bringing cousins closer despite the miles between them. His favorite moments came after long days at the beach, when everyone gathered to play guitar, sing songs, play games, and simply enjoy being together.

Pete approached his hobbies with the same passion he brought to everything else. He loved surfing with his brother and cousins, deep-sea fishing with family, swimming laps, cycling, and snowboarding. Christmas trips to the mountains, particularly Val d'Isère, France, became a cherished family tradition. Their home in Costa Rica brought together his love of surfing, fishing, and the outdoors. In later years, golf became a favorite pursuit, especially because it was something he could enjoy with Carolynn and their children.

Pete was endlessly curious, quick-witted, and always up for a little fun. He could recite lines from Caddyshack or European Vacation at just the right moment, delighted in making humorous TikTok skits, and loved good music, especially Counting Crows and Justin Bieber. An avid student of history and devoted podcast listener, he could often be found walking five miles in a weighted vest while absorbing something new. He loved a good meal, a carefully crafted cocktail with bitters, and a tart dessert, especially key lime pie. Just don't serve him eggplant. Pete had a remarkable ability to find joy in both life's grand adventures and its simplest pleasures.

Pete embraced the Catholic faith as an adult, sharing Carolynn's commitment to raising their children in the Church. His faith became an increasingly meaningful part of his life, providing strength and comfort throughout his later years.

When diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023, Pete faced the challenge as he had lived his life: with courage, determination, faith, and remarkable grace. He never asked, "Why me?" Instead, he looked for ways to help others. It was Pete who inspired the creation of the Morizzo Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness, supporting research, and helping families facing this devastating disease. Even in the most difficult circumstances, his instinct was to make a difference.

Pete was preceded in death by his beloved father, George Morris, affectionately known to close family as "Wheel Man." Pete shared his father's love of the open road, whether driving thousands of miles for work or setting off on another family road trip, even though he lacked good driving skills.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carolynn Joann Morizzo; his daughter, Caroline Reagan Morris; his son, Kenneth Pierson Morris; his mother, Diane Morris; his brother, Jeff Morris (Francine); his sisters, Kristin Haak (Tim) and Karen Morris (Wayne); and his dear cousins, Todd and Trevor Williams, among his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind countless treasured friends, his SAE brothers, his extended professional family, and his beloved four-legged companions, Pinot Noir, Gluhwein, and Billie.

Pete lived with purpose, loved without reservation, and gave more energy to the world than he ever took from it. His greatest legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives he made better simply by being part of them.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Pete's honor to the Morizzo Foundation at www.morizzofoundation.org.

Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa, Florida on Monday, October 26th at 10AM, immediately followed by a celebration of life at The Vault, 611 North Franklin Street, Tampa.