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Bay Ridge Leader Larry Morrish Dies

By Nikhita Venugopal | February 10, 2016 12:15pm
 Larry Morrish, a well-known Bay Ridge community leader, died this month, friends and officials said.
Larry Morrish, a well-known Bay Ridge community leader, died this month, friends and officials said.
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Facebook/Arab American Association of New York

BAY RIDGE — Larry Morrish, a longtime community leader — described as "the beating heart of Bay Ridge" by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer — died this week, friends and officials said. 

For decades, Morrish  advocated tirelessly for the neighborhood. Through his work, he and other leaders founded the Bay Ridge Ambulance Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) and started a St. Patrick's Day Parade in the neighborhood, according to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.

He died Feb. 8 after a brief illness, the newspaper reported. 

"From preserving Fort Hamilton to bolstering youth services to supporting BRAVO and Bay Ridge's many wonderful festivals and parades, no one called my office with more things for us to do than Larry Morrish," Schumer said in a Facebook post

"He is the very best of Brooklyn and lived and breathed to make his beloved Bay Ridge a better place for all who call it home. May he rest in peace."

Morrish was also mourned by the Arab American Association of New York

The organization's executive director Linda Sarsour called him "the bridge" that connected the Arab American community to the rest of Bay Ridge, particularly in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"We remember Larry's street smarts, political savviness, and a heart so big you could fit all of Bay Ridge in it," Sarsour said on behalf of the organization via email.

"We were grateful to know such a generous and honorable man, one that represented the best Bay Ridge has to offer."

A wake is scheduled for Feb. 12 at Joseph P. Clavin Sons Inc., at 7722 Fourth Ave. from 2 to 9 p.m.

The funeral mass will be celebrated Feb. 13, at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 7320 Fourth Ave., at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Green-Wood Cemetery.