Tributes

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Morris Clothier Kellett, who died peacefully on February 20, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on May 8, 1935, in Villanova, Pennsylvania, Morris was raised in the community he would cherish throughout his life. As a child, Morris attended The Haverford School prior to attending Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts. He then attended Princeton University, where he majored in History, was a member of the Cottage Club, a member of the NROTC. Upon graduating from Princeton, Morris was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served in Okinawa, Japan, for two years. After his Honorable Discharge as a Captain from the Marine Corps, Morris enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 1963, he joined the law firm of Dechert, Price & Rhoads (Dechert, LLP), where he became a partner and built a distinguished legal career focused on real estate and corporate law that spanned nearly four decades, retiring in 2000. In 1962, Morris married Anne Osborn Bacon, to whom he was married for almost 64 years. Together, they lived in Villanova, where they built a life rooted in devotion to one another, their family, and their community. In 2018, they moved to Waverly Heights in Gladwyne. Summers were joyfully spent in Seal Harbor, Maine, a place that held a special place in their hearts. Morris was deeply engaged in the civic and charitable life of his communities. He served on the Lower Merion Planning Commission and the Zoning Hearing Board, and was a member of the board of The Church Farm School. In Maine, he was a Vestry member of the Parish of St. Mary and St. Jude in Northeast Harbor. He also served as Commodore of the Seal Harbor Yacht Club and the President of The Seal Harbor Club. Following his retirement, Morris volunteered with The Reinvestment Fund, supporting socially and environmentally responsible investments that strengthened low-income communities in Philadelphia and beyond, and taught English as a Second Language in South Philadelphia. Two enduring passions shaped much of Morris’ life: horses and the sea. He treasured hours spent riding his beloved horse, Brownie, in the Pennsylvania countryside. Yet it was on the waters where he felt most at home. With Anne at his side, he explored the coast of Maine on his sailboat, JackTar II, for many years, navigating harbors and coves along the Maine coastline. He also enjoyed hiking the carriage trails of Mount Desert Island and playing tennis with friends, and he and Anne shared a love of travel, especially to Ireland. Above all, Morris’s greatest love was his family. After almost 64 years of marriage, Anne preceded him in death by only 10 days. He was also predeceased by his parents, Dorothy Clothier Kellett and Roderick G. Kellett, and his sister, Francis Kellett Roberts. He is survived by his sister, Joan Kellett Harvey; his daughter, Whitney Kellett Cahill and her husband Tony; his son, Roderick Clothier Kellett and his wife Whitney (nee Stengel); his grandchildren Cynthia, Matthew, Taylor, and Abby Kellett, and Peter and Mark Cahill; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Morris will be remembered for his integrity, his enduring friendships, his generous service to his community, and his deep and abiding love for his family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Waverly Heights for the care and kindness they provided in his final years. A celebration of the lives of Morris and Anne will be held on April 11 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Tributes

Morris Clothier Kellett

May 8, 1935 - February 20, 2026