Morris Abraham Fishbone

With deep sadness, we announce that Morris Abraham Fishbone, beloved and devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather passed away on November 11, 2024.

Morris was born on November 4, 1935 in Norwich, Connecticut, the third child of the late Harry and Rose (née Silverman) Fishbone. Morris was a graduate of the Norwich Free Academy, Eastern CT State University (BS), and the University of Connecticut (MA and 6th year advanced degree in school counseling, along with an additional fifteen credits in educational administration). Morris served honorably in the Army, both on active duty and in the reserves. He was an elementary and junior high school teacher before he became a guidance counselor in the Ledyard school system. After that, he spent the next 20 years as the Director of Guidance at Montville High School, earning Who’s Who in Education accolades that helped round out his 31 year career as an educator. He then became Doc “The Toolman” Fishbone working at Savage Supply for many years and loving every minute of it. 

A dedicated public servant and passionate community leader, Morris leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of those in the community. He served as a key member of the 4-H Camp Committee, working to enrich the lives of young people through educational and recreational programs. He was also a proud alumnus and former president of the Eastern Connecticut State University Alumni Association, where he helped foster connections between the university and its graduates.

A passionate advocate for the town of Preston, Morris, the ever-concerned courthouse enthusiast, did all he could to have a regional courthouse built in the town. Though this never happened, he found other ways to serve the community. He served on the Preston Board of Finance for many years, including as Chair, where he was instrumental in shaping the town’s fiscal policies. He also made valuable contributions to the Preston Senior Affairs Committee and the Preston Library Building Committee, ensuring that the needs of the senior population and the future of the community’s library were prioritized. At St. Catherine of Siena church in Preston, he served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, and was very involved in Advent and Lenten services.

In addition to these roles, Morris was a dedicated volunteer for AARP, providing valuable assistance as a Tax Aid Counselor, helping many in the community navigate the complexities of tax filing.

An avid UCONN Women’s Basketball fan, Morris will be remembered not only for his generous nature and accomplishments, but also for his unwavering commitment to making his communities better for everyone.

Morris is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jean (née Banas); his daughter and son-in-law Marie and Nicholas Spellman of Wilbraham, MA; his son and daughter-in-law John Fishbone and Deborah Brewer of Bloomington, IN; and his daughter and son-in-law Carol Fishbone and Toby Hilgendorff of Sparta, NJ. Morris is also survived by his cherished grandchildren whom he adored: Nate Fishbone of Portland, OR, Bridget Hilgendorff of Waltham, MA, Nick Spellman of Wilbraham, MA, Rachel Fishbone of Bloomington, IN, and Paxton Hilgendorff of Sparta, NJ. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Gilman, a niece, and two nephews.

Morris was predeceased by his sister Bernice Nadler. 

Calling hours will be from 5 PM to 7 PM on January 3, 2025 at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, 490 Voluntown Road, Jewett City, CT. A Mass of Celebration will be held on January 4, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Preston.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers (if you so desire), please make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Place, 120 Cliff St, Norwich, CT 06360  or the Preston City Congregational Church Food Pantry, 321 CT-164, Preston, CT 06365.

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