Richard (Rich/Dick) Morton, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2024, at the age of 90.  He created a legacy of nurturing relationships and special memories that will forever be treasured by family, friends, and work acquaintances.

Born on August 5, 1934, in Erie Pennsylvania to Margaret and Paul Morton, his family moved to San Francisco, California in 1946 when Rich was twelve.  At seventeen, Rich joined the U.S. Marines where he served for seven years.  Rich's mother introduced him to the love of his life, Rita Frances Vogl.  Following his military career, Rich and Rita married at Mount Carmel Church in August 1959.

Rich and Rita lived in San Jose and then settled in Redwood City where they raised their family. Daughters Kathleen (Kate) Edwards and Jennifer MacDonald (Dan), sons Philip (Barbara), Ted (Caroline), and Andrew (Christine), grandchildren Joshua (Rachel), Sarah, Timothy, Zachary, Gregory (Cassi), Joaquin, Aidan, Noah and Nina, Great grandchildren Paislee, Evangeline, Magnolia, Pierson, Stetson, and Harper. Rich retired in 1990 from the Redwood City Police Dept. after a 30-year career.  Retirement was short-lived, as Rich continued working as the Business Manager at Woodside Fire Protection District and retired for a second time after 27 years.  In 1980, Rich became a Chaplain for San Mateo County fire and police departments. He provided a service of grief support/counseling for families through the police and fire departments and his church.  Rich was also a Chaplain for Sequoia Hospital patients and their families.  Rich never missed an opportunity to assist anyone in crisis.  Through St. Pius Church, Rich was one of the organizers of the Annual Blue Mass created four years ago in recognition of police and fire.

Rich was devout in his Catholic faith and a member of St. Pius Church for over 50 years.  Rich was active in so many facets of parish life: Men's Club, he was a historic Ralph Lucchesi award winner, Lector, Sacristan, and Coach, just to name a few of his considerable volunteer efforts.  Rich was truly "a man for all seasons," husband, father, grandfather, dedicated public servant, first responder, churchman, and influential member of the San Mateo County community.  Rich served as a role model whose devotion to God, family, and country truly inspired and motivated others to serve.

Rich's greatest joy was playing Santa Claus, and he did for over 40 years.  Every Christmas season Rich played Santa for his children's schools, friend and family parties, Open House at Woodside Fire stations, Redwood City parades, and various schools in San Mateo County. Just this last year Rich was asked by the Assisted Living Facility where he and Rita lived to play Santa at their holiday party. This brought Rich true happiness to do it one final time.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Paul Morton, his in-laws Marie and Joseph Vogl, his brother-in-law Joseph Vogl, his sister Mary Margaret Morton, and his brother Paul.

A public Visitation and Rosary at 10:00am and Funeral Mass at 10:30am will be held on November 8th, 2024 at St. Pius Catholic Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA 94061.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rich's honor to St. Pius Parish.