Dan Morris: A Legacy of Leadership, Friendship, and Family

Dan Morris

Dan Morris, a co-founder and vice president of Garden State Precast, passed away unexpectedly recently, and has left a void in the hearts of his two partners, co-workers and many across the nation who were associated with him.

Morris was playing golf with his son in Ireland when he passed away in August. A celebration of life was held for Dan at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey, where he was a cherished member as well as a beloved friend, brother, father, grandfather and husband.

He, along with Kirby O’Malley and Gene O’Malley, founded Garden State Precast in 1999, coming together to create an organization that is one of the top 25 precast operations in the nation.

“We are certainly going to miss him,” said Kirby.

“We are going to miss his contagious smile and his ability to become friends with just about everyone he ever met. He was the epitome of a true gentleman. We will also miss his laughter, his leadership and his friendship.”

Morris was known for his ability as a problem solver. He was the embodiment of a leader whose primary concern was solving problems for the company’s customers.

Speaking about his dad, Bill Morris said, “I had the privilege of working side by side with my dad for more than 20 years — something not many people can say. He wasn’t just a great mentor and leader, but truly a great man. I will miss him terribly, but I’ll always be grateful for the time, lessons, and memories we shared together both at work and in life."

Partner Gene O’Malley added, “Dan, great friend, great partner, great human being. He will be sorely missed!”

Garden State Precast’s ability to help customers solve problems has catapulted the company’s reputation nationally. “When a customer has a problem, we look at it as our problem and do all we can to solve that problem with our customer,” said Kirby.

Dan was working as sales manager at Duncan Thecker Association in Farmingdale, when he, Kirby and Gene, who also worked there, pulled together to purchase Duncan Thecker and turn it into Garden State Precast.

During the early years, the three did most of the work themselves, bringing on help as the company grew. As the company expanded, the three brought in family members who are now poised to continue the success of the company. Kirby’s daughter, Kelley, is the chief financial officer, while Gene’s sons, Sean and Kerry, serve as customer service manager and production supervisor, respectively.

Dan’s son, Bill, oversees outside sales. In addition, Kris O’Malley, Kelley’s son, is the shipping supervisor. “Dan was the epitome of a people person, a true family man, and always supported the people closest to him,” said Kerry O’Malley. “For those who weren’t close with him, he immediately made you feel like a part of his inner circle through his gregariousness and genuine kindness. May he rest in rest in peace and God bless his family.”

Co-worker Pam Schrader agreed. “Dan’s laugh was infectious! He was a kind and gentle soul, and I will miss how he brought joy to those around him.”

 Recalling the first time he met Dan, Robert Romanow added, “I first met Dan on my interview back in 2002. Even thought that encounter was very brief I remember him being so welcoming, and I could just tell that he genuinely cared about his employees and those around him. Through the years that assumption was proved true time and time again. I appreciated his advice, guidance, and friendship over the last 20-plus years. He will truly be missed.”

Dan’s contributions extended well beyond Garden State Precast. He helped elevate industry standards, advocating for safety, innovation and excellence. In addition, he did much to influence young people to what the industry was about. His affiliation with the Utility and Transportation Contractor’s Association, Garden State Precast has been able to make contacts with other contractors, owners and leaders of other organizations that have proved beneficial to the company.

Kelley said Dan’s reputation is such that there is hardly a day that’s gone by since Dan’s death that someone hasn’t remembered how much he meant to the company and its employees.

“Dan was more than just a boss, he was a true friend,” said Michael Vergona. “He had a way of lighting up every room he walked into. No matter how bad my day was, the moment Dan arrived, everything felt better. He had a gift for making everyone feel like they had known him forever.”

Added Vergona, “I am deeply grateful for everything Dan did for my family and I. I will miss our conversations about sports, cooking, and his beloved grandkids. His absence will be felt not just by me, but by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Recalling Dan’s concern for employees, Paul Heidt said, “My fondest memory of Dan is when I told him about Katherine’s pending birth. He had stopped by to see me about several projects he was working on selling. All thoughts of sales vanished as he congratulated me. We never did get back to those projects. Another instance was working nights with Dan when he volunteered to help run the night shift during crypt production. Sales during the day and drycast at night.”

“He was a friend and a business partner,” said Kirby, who noted Dan was also a childhood friend. “We are going to miss his knowledge of marketing and his contributions to the growth of our company. While we are really going to miss him, we know that our extended family and our committed employees will continue to work in the same spirit and enthusiasm that Dan did.”

“Dan leaves behind a legacy not just in business, but in the hearts of everyone who had the honor of knowing him,” said Kris O’Malley. “I’ll carry his memory with me, and I’ll strive to live up to the example he set — with kindness, integrity, and a love for the people who make life meaningful.”