Joseph Vernon Morford Jr

Joseph Vernon Morford, Jr. died peacefully Sunday morning, May 10, 2015. He was 86 years old. Joe was born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania on April 20,1929 to Joseph Vernon Morford, Sr. and Ruth Pyle Morford. Joe attended Greensburg High School and Purdue University. Mr. Morford graduated from Purdue University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While at Purdue University, Joe was an active member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Joe met the love of his life, Deborah (Debbie) Brown while at a Kappa Sigma fraternity-Kappa Alpha Theta sorority mixer. The rest is history-they were married at Lackland Air Force base, San Antonio, Texas in 1950. Joe served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War in Korea as a ground radar officer. While serving in Korea, Joe was hired by General Motors as a design engineer for the Saginaw, Michigan steering gear division. Saginaw, Michigan was home from 1953-1956. In 1956, Joe returned to Greensburg, Pennsylvania to join his father at the structural engineering and design firm, Moore & Morford, Inc. He served as President of the firm. Joe was a professional member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Welding Society and the American Institute of Steel Construction. Mr. Morford was very active in Greensburg civic activities. Joe was a member, Deacon, Elder and Trustee of the Greensburg First Presbyterian Church. He served as a Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Westmoreland Hospital Association, Chairman of the Westmoreland Health System, Chairman of the Southwest Health System, and Chairman of the Westmoreland-McGinnis Hospital (Ligonier, Pennsylvania). Mr. Morford served as President of the Greensburg Rotary Club and was the recipient of the Greensburg Rotary Man of the Year Award in 1980. He was also a rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Joe served as President of the Greensburg School Board, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Advisory Board and the Greensburg Salvation Army Board. He served as a Director of the Greensburg Southwest National Bank and Indiana, Pennsylvania First Commonweath Financial Institution. Joe and Debbie (deceased-2008) lived in Greensburg, Pennsylvania until retiring to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina in 1995. Among Joe's happiest days were the many beautiful sunny days playing golf and tennis, taking long bike rides and walks on the beach with his wife, family and friends. Joe also shared his beautiful singing voice with the choir and parishioners of the First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island. Joe's zest for life, love of family, generosity and great sense of humor will always be remembered and in our hearts. Joe is survived by a very special, loving friend and companion, Sandra Higgins; his four children, Jennifer Morford, Joanna Morford, Jeffrey (Paul) Morford and James (Carolyn) Morford. Four wonderful grandchildren, Alan Reed, Jr., Sarah Reed, Samantha (Zachary) Morford Skaggs and Hannah Morford. Mr. Morford is also survived by his brother Richard Morford and sister Susan Morford Selis and their families. There will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held at St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to your favorite charities. There will be no visitation. A private memorial service will be held at St. Clair Cemetery, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to your favorite charities.