Thomas Morrill Obituary

82, of Narragansett, RI passed away on May 18, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family: his wife Rhonda Pavese-Morrill and his four children, Michelle Morrill, Dirk Morrill, Evan Morrill and Brittany Morrill-Lofaro. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Morrill; and 3 grandchildren, Devon Stoll-Morrill, Bowen Lofaro and Charlie Lofaro.

Tom was born November 27, 1942, in Rochester, NY to parents Richard and Edith (Wilson) Morrill, better known as Edie. Tom and his older brother enjoyed a classic, modest Americana childhood, living down the road from Seabreeze Amusement Park, where the Irondequoit Bay meets Lake Ontario. After finishing their paper routes, the brothers’ days might be spent riding the iconic Jack Rabbit rollercoaster, sneaking into the local cinema, or having apple wars in Durand Eastman Park with other neighborhood kids – that quintessential, small-town, middle-America image you have in your head, that was it.

From 18 to 22, Tom hitchhiked his way along Route 66 from Rochester to L.A., back to NY and then to Detroit. 6 foot 4, blue-eyed and handsome, he had no trouble finding friendly drivers, happy to lend a hand to a fellow wanderer. During those early years, with his career path as zigzagging as his travels, Tom built a resume of odd jobs; from bouncer to shoe salesman, unloading trucks to working in a Kodak film testing lab. Eventually he landed a spot on the Dodge assembly line in Hamtramck, MI – a fitting place for someone with his tireless determination, love of problem-solving, and natural talent for hands-on work.

Tom’s coming-of-age was set against the backdrop of the Vietnam war. He was drafted in 1962 and was able to enlist in the Army Reserves in Rochester. Basic Training was hell, but it was the kick in the pants he needed to straighten himself out.

Stemming from his fascination with efficiency from his assembly line positions with Dodge, Chrysler and General Dynamics, Tom went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Rochester Institute of Technology. Then, deciding he wasn’t done learning everything he could about everything, Tom earned a law degree from the University of Denver. His mother was famously quoted as exclaiming, “Tom, when are you going to stop going to school?!”

Within his decade of schooling, Tom married Pam Bills and had their daughter, Michelle and adopted Dirk from Vietnam.

Rather than going into law with his JD, Tom became involved in software development with IBM. He did well because he was bright, efficient, and steadfast, but he was successful because he was all those things and someone you’d want to grab a beer with. His ability to connect with people is what elevated him to managerial roles, and eventually, the president of several companies.

Tom and Pam divorced when their kids were in their early teens but remained friends and successfully coparented Michelle and Dirk.

A chance encounter on the train in 1983 in Manhattan introduced Tom to Rhonda, with whom he shared the last 42 years of his incredibly full life. They married, moved to Westchester, started a family, and became part of an even bigger family: Hitchcock Presbyterian Church.

Tom and Rhonda’s life was rich with friends, travel and business ventures. Their genuine kindness and vibrant spirit welcomed fascinating people from all walks of life – and from all over the world (yourself included, I’m sure).

In their later years, Tom and Rhonda moved permanently to the seaside town of Narragansett, RI, a place the family had called Home every summer for over two decades. Ever the visionary, Tom launched Narragansett Properties in 2010. The company combined Tom’s knack for handywork, his gift for recognizing how small changes could transform a well-worn system, and his can’t-be-taught ability to make people feel seen and heard. It turns out, the key to property management has little to do with the property, and far more to do with simply treating others with respect – this was a skill Tom perfected over his 82 years. Narragansett Properties remains rooted in Tom’s approach and values, continuing under the care of Rhonda, their son Evan, and trusted partner Abbey Dyer.

Tom’s love of learning did not end with his degrees. He was an avid reader of nonfiction and newspapers and always had NPR playing in the background. At 82 he was still as sharp as ever, diligently doing his New York Times crossword puzzle every day (except for Mondays…too easy he’d say). He made a permanent imprint in the big, soft armchair in the sunroom where he sat every morning with his paper and coffee, just as he’s made a permanent imprint in the hearts of every person lucky enough to have spent but a moment in his larger-than-life presence.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church, in Scarsdale, New York on June 27, 2025, at 11:00am. Contributions in his name may be made to NPR, no doubt he’s still tuning into it up there.