Obituary of William P. Morrison

Obituary of William Patten Morrison

William Patten Morrison (“Billy”), born on November 11, 1986 in Manhasset, NY and resident of Manhasset, NY, passed away at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, NY on May 28, 2023 after fighting lung cancer for two and a half years. Billy is survived by his mother, Andrea Laurino of Manhasset, NY, his father, William Morrison of Port Washington, NY, his brother, Brian Morrison of Manhasset, NY, his stepfather, Thomas Laurino of Manhasset, NY, his step mother, Barbara Morrison, his step brothers Grayson Laurino, Steven Laurino, and Michael McCabe, as well as his grandmother, Frances Butta of Manhasset, NY, his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his adoring Corgi, Luffy.

It’s hard to know what it’s like to have cancer, let alone how to handle a rare mutation of the non-small cell lung cancer disease that affects only 2% of the population yet invades your body for no apparent reason. For Billy, the choice on what to do and how to be was never in doubt. Billy approached cancer with courage, clarity, and intellectual curiosity. He learned everything there was to know about his type of cancer and how to craft a healthy food regimen and supplementations that would increase his odds of winning. He handled his interactions with doctors and nurses with grace and a sense of humor. His infectious kindness enabled everyone, particularly those who felt helpless, to worry less and be positive. His warmth, his smile, and his disposition always made others feel better. It was no act. It was Billy Morrison and his special way. 

Billy attended SUNY Delhi in Delhi, NY where he was immersed in the studies of a liberal arts program. He was a member of the Theta Xi Omega fraternity for which he had two important roles. First, he was instrumental in helping the local Delhi fraternity become part of the national TKE fraternity. Second, he happily served as the fraternity’s social chairman, a role that tapped his sense of humor and instincts for fostering community. 

Following Delphi, Billy worked for Wonderland Tree Care and Landscapes Company, an Oyster Bay, Long Island-based company that provides tree care and landscaping services to homeowners on Long Island’s North Shore. It was here where Billy developed a deep connection with nature and the power of plantings. To his family, he became known as the Tree Whisperer. To his clients, he was the guy that helped them realize there was much more to plants and trees than had previously known. Ever the student. Ever the educator. 

Because ROS1, the gene mutation of his cancer, is so rare, especially for young people, Billy wanted to create an organization where he could share all that he and his support group of friends had learned through their deep and continuous exploration. True to his core, Billy wanted to give others the benefit of their findings. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to any organization committed to reducing the impact of lung cancer. Memorial Sloan Kettering, of which Billy was a patient, can provide suggestions as needed.