Obituary of Hartwell P. Morse Jr.

Hartwell Powell Morse, Jr. passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on September 22, 2023. Born on April 28, 1930, in Binghamton, N.Y., Hartwell graduated from Binghamton Central High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After serving his country, Hartwell earned his bachelor's degree, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, courtesy of the GI Bill. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from New York University. Hartwell and his wife, the former Nancy Louise Goodnough, began their 68-year marriage in Brooklyn Heights when he started his career in banking with Marine Midland Trust Company. They enjoyed all that the city had to offer and three of their five children were born in Brooklyn. In 1960, Hartwell moved to the Binghamton office, where he became president and CEO of the Southern District in 1966. He was involved in all facets of the community, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce, president and campaign chair for the United Way, trustee for Elmira College, and as a board member for the Klee Foundation, New Industries for Broome, and the Binghamton University Foundation. He belonged to the Binghamton Club, 21 Club, and the Young Presidents Club and served on the first study of the Binghamton School Consolidation. He especially enjoyed performing in The Live Wire Club roast each year. In 1981, the family moved to Cazenovia, N.Y., when HSBC acquired Marine Midland Bank and Hartwell traveled for roles in Syracuse, Buffalo, and New York City. He capped off his banking career by serving on the Grace Commission in Washington, D.C., which was created by President Ronald Reagan to explore cost savings across government systems. While in Cazenovia, Hartwell enjoyed The Cazenovia Club, and served as chairman of the Board of Trustees at Cazenovia College. He later supported the College as an advisor for its periodic accreditation in further support of his commitment to education. Hartwell researched and wrote extensively about the Morse family heritage in Central New York, which dates to 1796. The family homestead, the Stone House, and historic markers pay tribute to these early pioneers and can be found along Route 26 in Eaton, N.Y. Hartwell spent summers throughout his life in northern Pennsylvania where he enjoyed tennis, swimming, sailing, and the company of lifelong friends at Silver and Quaker Lakes. In the late 1970s, he partnered with three good friends, Frank LaBonte, Ken Leasure, and Chic Neiley, to build and develop Longford Lake, a project that he loved and to this day is enjoyed by many. Hartwell was a man of many interests, premier among them the collecting of all genres of music that he enjoyed on his McIntosh sound system, train travel throughout the world, furniture building, and tinkering with electronics. For 10 years he and Nancy hiked throughout the United Kingdom and formed great friendships with a group of British couples they met each May for a special week of hiking. Tennis was central to his life and was shared with multiple generations of family, most recently at Sea Oaks in Vero Beach, Fla., where he and Nancy were seasonal residents during their retirement years. Most important, however, was the enjoyment of his family, and his home was filled with love and laughter. His sense of humor was legendary and gifts of novelty socks were highly valued by his many friends. Hartwell is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy (nee Goodnough), and his children: Hartwell III (Deborah), Monroe, La.; Gillian King (James), Clinton, N.Y.; Carolyn Bergstrom, Quincy, Ill.; David (Patricia), New York, N.Y.; and Katherine Falkiner (Charles), Cary, N.C.. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Michael Bergstrom, Madisen Morse Huggard (Ian), Kristina King, Maria Bergstrom, Addison Morse, Hartwell Morse IV, Carolyn King, Emily Morse, Ashley Morse, Tyler Morse, Sidney Falkiner, Elizabeth Falkiner, and a 13th expected in January 2024. His brother-in-law, Mitchell Pincus, survives him as well, as do many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Katherine Pincus and Sidney Marcia Neiley. The family extends special thanks to Naomi Reichard, Leslie Francis, and Hospice of CNY who provided loving comfort and care. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be made to Hospice of CNY or CAVAC (Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corps). Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 12 noon. Rev. Msgr. John P. Putano will officiate. Burial will be in St. Augustine's Cemetery, Silver Lake, PA. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Monday October 9, 2023 from 4 to 6 p.m.