Ted Morse

Joe’s friends at the Ed Morse family of automotive dealerships lost their iconic leader this week, Edward J., “Ted” Morse, Jr., 66. Mr. Morse was a true community and industry leader, employing thousands across the Tampa Bay area and in South Florida. He also held a truly unique status with the Miami Dolphins.

Ted was born on December 19th, 1949 in Miami, Florida to Edward & Catherine Morse. Ted graduated from North Miami Senior High where he met the love of his life, Patti Fornari. They were married on June 20th, 1970 at St. James Catholic Church in North Miami, FL.

Ted Morse was in the automotive business virtually his entire life along with his father, Edward J. Morse, Sr. Ted learned the business from the ground floor working his way up through the dealership ranks, gaining experience in both sales and service. After several years as General Manager of Ed Morse Chevrolet in Lauderhill Ted moved to the group’s corporate office where he eventually became the Owner/Operator, Chairman, and CEO. Ted earned many honors over his career including the Time Magazine Dealer Of The Year. In 2015 Ted was honored as the recipient of the Concours d’Elegance Automotive Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the impact that Ted has had on the automotive industry. However, Ted was most proud of the generations of families that built careers at the Ed Morse Automotive Group.

Ted was a lifelong ardent fan and supporter of the Miami Dolphins and in fact was Season Ticket Holder #1, making him the Miami Dolphins’ longest tenured season ticket holder. Ted was also a huge NASCAR enthusiast, often travelling throughout the country to attend the races and enjoy the excitement of the competition.

The only thing that exceeded his passion for the Miami Dolphins and NASCAR was helping people in need. Ted was involved in several local and national charities giving his time as well as his support. Most notably were his support of the Boys & Girls Club of Broward where he sat on the Board of Directors, The Muscular Dystrophy Association, where over the years he raised nearly $2 million through the annual Ed Morse golf tournament, and the Diabetes Association which named Ted Father of The Year in 2014.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife Patti, his son Teddy and his wife Erica and Ted’s granddaughter Samantha, and his daughter Catherine and grandsons’ Tyler and Aiden. Ted is also survived by his sister Betty Anne Beaver, her husband Richard Beaver and nephews’ Richard Danahy, Jr. and Brian Danahy.

Funeral home viewing hours are Thursday from 6 to 8 and Friday from 4 to 8 at Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin funeral home located at 4343 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. The church service and funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., 401 SE 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Boys & Girls Club of Broward. 877 NW 61st Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. 954-537-1010