David J. Morris, 82, of Tamarac, FL and Dennisport, MA, formerly from West Hartford passed away March 23, 2012 at the Florida Medical Center Hospice Care unit. Born David J. Katz, June 17, 1929 in Springfield, MA. David attended the local schools while growing up in Springfield. He graduated UMASS at Amherst with a Bachelor’s Degree at age 20, later attaining a Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut extension. David served two years stateside in the USMC as a radar repair technician during the Korean War. During his service to his country he married Harriet S. Weisman of Hartford, being a devoted husband for 58 years until his passing. Upon his military discharge he took up his teaching career. Having taught in East Hartford, West Hartford, Hartford and finally retiring from Wethersfield High School at age 60 in 1989. David taught Hebrew at Temple Sinai in Newington for many years, preparing youngsters for their Bar-Bat Mitzvah. Upon his retirement he and Harriet took up residence in Tamarac, FL while spending summers in their Dennisport cottage. David enjoyed competitive bridge, attaining Life Master status in the ACBL. He was a lifelong philatelist and enjoyed model railroading and reading science fiction. David imparted to his sons a love of history and appreciation for the beach. He was always using his energy, skills and insight to take an active part in helping the people and organizations he came in contact with. His at birth surname was originally given to his father upon processing at Ellis Island. Shortly after his father’s passing David changed the family name in June 1969 to Morris in honor of his dad Abraham Morris Katz who was known to everyone as Morris. David was predeceased by four sisters Doris, Helen, Jackie and Esther. He is survived by his wife Harriet, two sons Bruce Morris and his wife Nancy Akell of Bristol, Jason Morris and his wife Lee of Harwington; three loving grandchildren, Benjamin, Sheri and Rachel. David had many nephews and one niece, Betty Klein of Connecticut. David’s life was a model of strong character and integrity that was evident daily in his direct manner and confident nature. There will be a graveside service on March 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Farmington Valley Jewish Congregational cemetery.