The world is dimming a bit today was it was announced that Jack Morey of Morey’s Piers has passed.
The official announcement came through a press release from Morey’s Piers, which you can read below. But first, I, Joey Contino, wanted to share some personal thoughts.
Having worked at Morey’s Piers for over eight years, I had the privilege of knowing Jack Morey and the Morey family well. The phrase, “Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” must have been written with Jack in mind.
Jack’s passion, creativity, and dedication transformed Morey’s Piers into a cherished destination for countless families. His innovative vision brought new attractions and experiences that captivated visitors of all ages.
Wildwood Icon Jack Morey Has Passed
I was fortunate to witness Jack in his element on numerous projects, from the Ghost Ship to “It.” I’ve never met anyone so happy and full of joy as he watched families create cherished memories.
He had the dream job, of creating fun. Who wouldn’t be smiling from ear to ear doing that job?
His legacy is etched in the laughter of children riding the Giant Wheel, the wonder in their eyes as they experience the sights and sounds of Morey’s Piers.
His contributions to the amusement industry and his unwavering commitment to enhancing visitors’ joy and experiences will be remembered forever.
Our hearts go out to the Morey family during this difficult time. We grieve alongside them, feeling the void left by Jack’s departure.
Jack’s legacy will live on through the smiles and laughter he inspired in all of us.
PRESS RELEASE:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jack Morey, our beloved 2nd Generation Partner, and for the past three decades, the creative force behind Morey’s Piers. Jack wasn’t particularly fond of titles, but was the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Creative Officer, and, most importantly, champion of “it will be beautiful…we change everything.”
Jack’s life is a testament to his passion, creativity, and unwavering love of the beauty of people, experiences, and life…which he often insisted on viewing upside down via an impromptu handstand.
Although known for his eccentric and gregarious persona, Jack would often dive deeply and quickly into conversations.
Not one to recognize conventional boundaries, a favorite Jack question upon meeting someone was, “What do you love?” A question which he was genuinely curious about, which presumably left the unguarded recipient pondering the meaning of life a little more deeply than moments prior.
Jack was long fascinated with people, design, and public spaces from all around the world, and spent his life and career working to bring his incredible and innate creativity to life. If you’ve visited Wildwood, you’ve been touched by Jack’s vision.
The Rio Grande Avenue Gateway, the iconic “Wildwoods” sign, the Wildwood Dog Park and Beach, the Socratic Outdoor Learning Center, the Doo-Wop style architecture, Starlux Mini Golf, and his latest project the Big Little 9 Golf Course are just a few, and of course, Morey’s Piers and Resorts, all bear Jack’s unique vision.
Morey’s Piers To Open Their Own Golf Course! – Big Little 9
He drew inspiration from the most unlikely places and poured his passion for beauty, art, and human interaction into everything in which he was involved. Jack adored the Wildwoods, often describing it as – “not a place for everybody, but it is a place for anybody,” and in answering the question of what’s your favorite project, there was no hesitation, simply – “the next one, but first we must fall in love.”
Jack saw the world in a way few others do, often combining elements which logically shouldn’t work together…but did.
Not one for meetings, committees, or offices (and reported to have declared in jest that budgets were for wimps), he was most often found in the field either dreaming, designing, or clearing the way for his next vision
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Jack’s perspective and passion are inspirations that, while irreplaceable, we will strive to follow as we continue with his personal quest to make Morey’s Piers the “Greatest Seaside Park in the World.”
While Jack loved his job, his true passion in life was his family. He loved his Bride of 36 years, Karen, and his two children, Zack (Morgan) and Jordan (Alyssa), and the many dog companions he had throughout his life, presently Hobbes, Finley, and Frankie.
When his grandchildren (Jack, Miller, and Nora) were born, he was the first to jump to the ground to teach them to crawl, spending almost as much time on the ground as the newborns.
We will draw inspiration from Jack’s constant intrigue and inspiration from the world around him and, in turn, his love of life, people, and creativity. For all of this, we, and anyone who spent time with Jack, are forever grateful.
About Morey’s Piers
Morey’s Piers, located on the Boardwalk in the Wildwoods, New Jersey, is a classic seaside amusement park, family-owned and operated since 1969. Voted Amusement Park of the Year by Amusement Today and #1 Best Beach Boardwalk by Family Vacation Critic, Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions spanning over eighteen acres along six beach blocks and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks.
Convenient to the major population centers of the Northeast, yet a world apart, Morey’s Piers along with Morey Resorts combines the pure joy of an amusement park, the sights and sounds of a classic boardwalk, outstanding accommodations, together with the rhythm of beach life.
Visit them at Surfside Pier, featuring the Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club at 25th Avenue, Mariner’s Pier, featuring Raging Waters Water Park at Schellenger Avenue, and Adventure Pier at Spencer Avenue.
For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com or phone (609) 522-3900 or like us on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram, and YouTube.
