Henry C. Morlock, Jr.

Henry Conrad Morlock, Jr., Ph.D., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, professor, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on March 9, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Maryon Helen Lobs and Henry Conrad Morlock, Henry lived a life filled with intellectual curiosity, kindness, and service to others.

Henry graduated from Olney High School in 1953 and went on to earn his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. While completing his graduate studies, he proudly served in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps, where he was assigned to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He completed six years of service from 1959 to 1965 as a Research Psychologist in the Army Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain.

In 1965, Henry joined the faculty of Plattsburgh State University College in the Division of Social Sciences, where he taught psychology for 34 years. A gifted teacher and mentor, he was beloved by his students for his engaging lectures, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care. His published research on animal behavior and human decision-making was widely respected, and he co-authored the book Turtles: Perspectives and Research. In 1979, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the State University of New York, and he later served as Chair of the Psychology Department from 1987 to 1990. He retired in 1999 as Professor of Psychology, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and mentorship.

Beyond his academic career, Henry will be remembered most for his extraordinary kindness and the profound influence he had on others. Generations of students credited him with sparking their passion for psychology and guiding them toward successful careers. Students and friends alike said Henry’s greatest gift was inspiring them to treat others with the same kindness and generosity he so naturally embodied. He left a lasting mark—so much so that one former student dedicated the foreword of his book to him, and countless others still recall his kindness, wisdom, and the way he made even statistics come alive. To his students, colleagues, and friends, Henry was not only a teacher, but a mentor and a model of generosity of spirit.

Henry was an avid toy train collector, especially of pre-WWII models, and spent countless hours building intricate layouts. He loved music, blessed with a rich bass voice, and sang with groups including the Champlain Valley Oratorio Society, the Olney High School A Cappella Choir, the Shapenote Singers, and the Three Rogues, a Battle of Plattsburgh reenactment trio known for their lively tavern songs. He also valued the outdoors, taking great pleasure in canoeing and hiking in the Adirondacks and in the beauty of living on Lake Champlain. Alongside these pursuits, he enjoyed playing guitar, reading widely, and sharing his love of books through clubs and discussions. He shared many years with his beloved dogs, Nutmeg and Topaz, whose companionship enriched his life. In retirement, he gave generously of his time as a docent at the Plattsburgh State Art Museum and the Champlain Valley Transportation Museum where he enjoyed sharing knowledge and stories with visitors.

Henry was an active and devoted member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh since 1979, where he built lasting friendships and contributed in countless ways. It was at the Fellowship that he met his beloved wife, Ursula Jones, whom he married in 1982. In 2004, he was honored with the Unsung UU Award for his quiet but steadfast service to the congregation and the wider community.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Ursula; his son, William Morlock; his stepdaughters, Aimee (JJ) Pompi and Sarah Skinner (Kevin Fox); his granddaughter, Maelie Morlock; his former wife, Jean Kibler, as well as many dear friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his younger brother, Dale David Morlock.

Henry will be remembered for his gentle spirit, sharp intellect, and the generosity he extended to all who knew him. His family, friends, students, and colleagues will carry forward his quest for knowledge and meaning – a legacy that will continue to ripple outward through the lives he touched.

Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh on Thursday October 30, 2025 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (4 Palmer Street, Plattsburgh) on Saturday November 1 at 10:00 AM. Henry's graveside service will follow the celebration at Riverside Cemetery in Plattsburgh at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Plattsburgh Interfaith Food Shelf or the Elmore SPCA.