Maurice “Morris” Margolis, 80, a warm and friendly man who loved a good joke, died peacefully in West Palm Beach, FL on Sept. 30, 2017.
Son of the late Sigmund and Tillie Margolis, Maurice lived nearly his entire life in Newport’s 5th Ward. He attended Rogers High School and later joined the U.S. Air Force where he earned the rank of sergeant. After leaving the service, he joined his family’s business, Sig’s Market, which he ran with his brother Fred.
In 1976, the brothers and their wives opened Fifth Ward Liquor. In 1980, the couples split the businesses, and Maurice and Brenda, who continued to run Sig’s, expanded the popular Newport landmark to include a larger deli and catering. Through Sig’s, he supported a number local organizations, particularly food kitchens and Fifth Ward Little League. Maurice and Brenda retired to Lake Worth, FL in 2008.
Maurice enjoyed bantering with his diverse array of customers. He could often be heard telling corny jokes or seen sneaking a tuna or bologna sandwich during a break.
After his long days at work, he and Brenda enjoyed dining in Newport and playing cards with friends. In his younger days, he played and refereed roller hockey. A devoted husband for 53 years, he and Brenda also enjoyed traveling and entertaining family and friends. They were long-time members of Temple Shalom.
He leaves his sons Philip (Susan) of Glastonbury, CT, Tod (Grace) of Flower Mound, TX, and Shawn (Paula) of Portsmouth, and five grandchildren, Jacob, Emily and Benjamin Margolis, and Melissa and Alex Shongut. He also leaves sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Sharon Margolis, Herbert, Faye and Beverly Solup, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister, Rita Trust and her husband Wally, and his brothers Stanley and Fred.
A funeral service will be held at Temple Shalom, 223 Valley Road, Middletown, on Tuesday October 3, 2017 at 2pm followed by burial at Beth Olam Cemetery, Wyatt Road, Middletown. After burial, the family will receive guests (shiva) at the Atlantic Resort, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown.
Shiva will continue on Wednesday at the home of Philip and Susan Margolis, 23 Ruff Circle, Glastonbury, CT from 2 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Newport Little League, PO Box 3872, Newport, RI 02840 or at www.newportlittleleague.org, or Temple Shalom, 223 Valley Road, Middletown, RI, 02842.
