John S. Morrow Jr.

John Stuart “Horgy” Morrow Jr., attorney, wordsmith, musician and devoted husband and father

died peacefully at his home in Sewickley, his piercing blue eyes shining while surrounded by family, on

Sept. 26, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

“Physically he was ready, but he loved life and wanted to live,” said his wife, Virginia. “I loved

him passionately from the beginning, we went through some very difficult times and fortunately were

blessed with a greater love for each other as a result.”

Born March 8, 1950, to Helen Bullitt and J. Stuart Morrow., John attended Sewickley Academy,

where in the mid-1960s he formed The Cavemen, one of two bands in which he played guitar. Recently,

he digitally recorded much of his catalog with the help of bandmates from the Twelfth Street & Four,

another band he later joined. John had a love for the classics, attempting some of his own compositions

and, said his wife, “As death was imminent, he voiced his disdain for a particular Tchaikovsky piece,

which he appeared to be hearing, and when asked what it was he said, ‘it was just a bad piece’ and ‘Jeff

(his cousin) would know’.”

“He taught me a lot of what I know about music, everything from Chopin to Clapton,” said his

brother Christian. “He taught me my first song on the guitar - “Rocky Raccoon.” “He taught me the

guitar was a good way to meet women. Unfortunately, he didn’t teach me about women. He was my best

friend. He always looked out for me. I’m going to miss him. I already do.”

John completed high school at the University School in Oakland, attended the University of

Hawaii for two years, continuing his love of surfing which he learned at a family home in Beach Haven,

N.J. John ultimately graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in English Literature before

attending law school and receiving his juris doctorate from Ohio Northern University.

He returned to Pittsburgh, married on August 28, 1982, and began his career in estate law with

Alter, Wright and Barron, moved on to Springer, Bush & Perry, and at the time of his death worked for

Julian Gray and Associates Elder Law Firm. John was a keen estate planner, teacher and student of

same, reflecting on Virginia estate law in relation to his family from Big Stone Gap even in his final

hours. John loved his work and was indebted to those, living and deceased, who provided opportunities

for him to practice until last week.

John was a voracious reader of science fiction, spy novels, nuclear and general science and

biographies. He enjoyed astronomy, had a small refracting telescope, taking every opportunity to

observe planets, galaxies, and comets like Hale-Bopp with his wife, children, QV school students and

colleagues at all hours and was lovingly called, “Joe DeNardo” by his wife, as the “go to” regarding

weather forecasts at home. John was at one time a wicked pool player, skills he honed with his beloved

Aunt Nancy whom he adored and provided endless care for along with his father, J. Stuart Morrow, in

their final years. John had a wit and sense of humor that made an instant and long-lasting impression on

those he met and continue to provide his family with many cherished memories.

John was a member of The Edgeworth Club, Sewickley, PA, served on the Leetsdale Civil

Service Commission and as a member and president of the board of the Quaker Valley Ambulance

Authority as the Leetsdale representative, where family suggests donations be made in his memory;

3550 University Boulevard, Coraopolis, PA 15143, www.valleyamb.org , 412-262-2621.

John is survived by his wife Virginia Booth Morrow; son, Charles Bowen Morrow; daughter,

Sarah “Sally” Pettit Morrow; and grandchildren, Chase John Augustin and Lucy Morrow Augustin of

Sewickley.

Arrangements are being handled by R.D. Copeland Funeral Home; visitation will be on

Thursday, October 3, 2019; 2-4 and 6-8pm at their Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley, PA

15143. A memorial service will be at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant Street, Sewickley,

PA 15143 on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 11am.

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