Richard R. Morton, 61, passed away in his adopted home of Ocean Grove, N.J., on Sept. 14. Richard was born in The Bronx, N.Y., on April 5, 1955.
Summers were spent in Matawan with his cousins where he first developed a love of the Jersey Shore. Richard was always interested in music, concerts, theatre, photography and of course, fashion, interests that stayed with him throughout his life.
Richard had a long distinguished career in men’s retail, beginning in Manhattan at Barneys and The Everybody Shop. He worked for many years at Frank Stella Clothiers, where he honed his amazing skills at fitting a men’s suit. He relocated to Virginia Beach in 1989 where he focused on visual merchandising and worked with the Virginia Musical Theatre. Richard fulfilled a lifelong dream opening his own shop, Threads & Co., specializing in distinctive vintage clothing and custom-made reproductions.
Richard returned to Brooklyn, before settling in Ocean Grove. His customers and co-workers from Lord &Taylor, Jos Banks and The Clothing Center will remember his sense of style, his amazing collection of hats and ties, his hardworking nature and his ability to connect with his customers.
A few years ago, Richard discovered Facebook. He was a master at sharing photographs and memories of his youth, living in New York. Richard was above all a kind, caring and loyal man. He cared for his ailing mom, Jean, for many years. There was nothing Richard valued more than maintaining his long and beautiful friendships with friends and family members both near and far. He regularly sent photos, small gifts, and cards to them. He was a generous, humble man who will be greatly missed by his aunts, uncles and cousins in the Mackin and VanderSteen families, especially his beloved Auntie Fran.
We appreciate the outpouring of sympathy and love from all those he knew and invite Richard’s friends to join us in a celebration of his life.
Stories of Richard’s life were shared at a Memorial Service on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 503 Asbury Avenue, Asbury Park.