Gary Robert Morrow, PhD

Gary Robert Morrow, PhD

Gary Robert Morrow, PhD, passed away from complications of pneumonia on July 7, 2026. Gary is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan (Baumgartner) “Poss”; his children: Andrew Robert (Claudia), James Frederick (Darsa), and Jennifer Rebecca; his grandchildren: Caleb, Zoe, Max, Theodore, and Hatcher Morrow, and Jack and Luke DesRosiers; his brother, Douglas (Janice), and four nieces.

He was predeceased by his parents, J. Robert Morrow, MD, and Frances (Pertes) Morrow; his brother, Bruce; and his beloved dog, Charlie.

Gary grew up in Geneva, NY, where he had a quintessential childhood, meeting the love of his life in eighth grade, fully participating in high school activities and sports, and making lifelong friends.

He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned degrees in English and Mechanical Engineering. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served as a submarine officer. He then attended the University of Rhode Island, earning a PhD in Clinical Psychology. His internship brought him to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY, where he spent the rest of his illustrious career.

Gary was a brilliant therapist, but his real love was research. He spent 50 years devoted to clinical research on cancer side effects, leading to the development of the Division of Supportive Care in Cancer. His groundbreaking studies in the 1980s defined nausea and vomiting as a major barrier to the completion of cancer treatment, impacting patients’ quality of life and chances for survival. This led to the advent of anti-nausea drugs. Gary played a foremost role in the development of anti-emetics, which have been deemed among the five most important advances in oncology in the last 50 years. He was instrumental in designing, directing, and carrying out research on their use in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. He was also recognized as one of the top 50 cancer investigators to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the National Cancer Act.

His Division of Supportive Care in Cancer continues to do meaningful research to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and “help good people through lousy times,” as Gary often said.

A Dean’s Professor, he received many international, national, and local awards and honors, including the Gary Morrow Chair in Supportive Care. He trained and mentored new fellows and was so proud to have made a difference in so many of their lives through his kindness, caring, and desire to help them further their careers. He imparted his wisdom to a new generation of caring researchers, and, through them, his legacy lives on.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, helping to raise them with care and kindness while creating meaningful experiences, always sharing his indomitable wisdom and wit. He coached Pittsford Youth Soccer for all his children for many years and was beloved by all the kids on whose lives he had a positive influence. He was involved with his grandchildren’s sports as a fan, never missing a game or the opportunity to give advice. An Eagle Scout himself, he was involved with Troop 341 with sons Andy and JJ, helping them each achieve their Eagle rank. He continued this involvement with grandson Jack, who also earned his Eagle, accompanying Jack to Massawepie Scout Camp for a week each summer for many summers.

He was incredibly proud of each of his grandchildren and the kind, caring, and strong young adults they have become. He was proud of their accomplishments as well as by their strength and resilience in the face of the many challenges that young people face today. They are all kind and caring and were a great source of joy for him.

Gary and Joan loved to travel—first for conferences and speaking engagements all over the world and later for pleasure. He and Joan took each of their children and their families on “trips of a lifetime” to Africa and various destinations in Europe, hoping to instill a love of travel and create unforgettable memories.

Until the last few years, Gary and Joan continued to travel yearly, taking many trips together and taking friends to their favorite places. They spent winters in their beloved St. Thomas for 25 years as well as several in Maui with friends. They took yearly trips to Europe, including Switzerland, France, Italy, and Gary’s favorite: Paris.

He treasured summers at the cottage: sailing and boating on Seneca Lake, exploring the Finger Lakes, antiquing, reading, feeding his hummingbirds, and dining at favorite restaurants. Joan and Gary loved hosting parties and picnics and spending time with family and friends.

Gary’s legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren. He was known for his quiet wisdom, ability to listen and sum up a problem in a few words, and offer ultimate insight and advice. His desire was to leave the world a little better, whether through his legacy in science or through the generations of kind, talented children and grandchildren who are each making their own impact on others' lives. He was instrumental in building a classroom and desks in a village in Tanzania and donating a well to the same village. He tried to spread kindness and help to whomever he met.

He will be remembered for his indomitable courage, spirit, and optimism in the face of his 16-year illness; his love for Notre Dame; Geneva; his close group of colleagues and friends; and his unequivocal love for his “Poss.” He touched many lives, and the world is a better place because he truly cared.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Anthony Funeral Home, 2305 Monroe Ave., Rochester, NY. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s Chapel, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 630 S. Main St., Geneva, NY. A celebration of Gary’s life will immediately follow the funeral at Geneva Country Club, 4147 West Lake Rd., Geneva, NY.

Memorial donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Ability Partners Foundation Acts of Kindness Fund, 3399 Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14623. To donate online visit www.abilitypartners.us > click “donate now,” then under “My gift should be dedicated to” select “Acts of Kindness,” then add Gary’s name under “This is an honor or memorial gift” section.