June Morris, the owner of the renowned Penny Candy Shop, died peacefully on February 7, 2024, leaving behind enduring memories of not just her shop, but of previous days in Water Mill. She was 96.
Born and raised in Patchogue alongside her brother George (predeceased) by parents Mary and Ed Steineke, June lived just a few blocks away from the man she would one day marry, Harvey Morris, whose house was just on the way to the bus stop. Their romance would eventually be interrupted by World War II, as Harvey was sent overseas to fight for the freedoms that Americans still hold today.
While her husband was away, June worked with her father at Camp Upton, which would eventually come to be renamed Brookhaven National Lab after the war. It was there that June witnessed the first radioactive therapy treatment for cancer. Upon Harvey’s return, their romance resumed. Soon, they married and lived in an apartment in Patchogue.
Many of June’s extended family lived on Shelter Island. Harvey worked for Ma Bell during this time. Eventually, the two traveled east, living briefly on Head of Pond Road in Water Mill with their young son, Harvey III. It was around this time that an opportunity became apparent: a building, which was once a salon, offered an apartment for them to live in as tenants. The two purchased the building, and after the salon closed, Morris decided to open a business.
She established the Penny Candy Shop in 1961 and quickly integrated into the community. It was here that she understood why the East End is so special, and to many, she was as local as one could be without having been born in the community. The Morrises were members of the Water Mill Community Association and the Water Mill Beach Club. June also sold tickets for the Southampton Hospital Benefit, bandaged kids who fell on sidewalks, and took in children whose parents were struggling while helping those who needed extra assistance.
During its time under June’s ownership, the Penny Candy Shop employed many local teens and offered a list of babysitters. Celebrities who visited the area were well aware of June’s policy that required them to wait to be served their favorite treats, just like everyone else did. Gilda Radner, Howard Cossel, and First Lady Pat Nixon were just a few of the celebrities who enjoyed June’s shop
Though most will remember Morris for her infinite patience with children, June will also be remembered for her kindness toward others and her dedication to Water Mill’s many residents. She is survived by her son, Harvey Morris III, of Colorado, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Pat Morris, of Pennsylvania; and many cousins and extended family members on Shelter Island.
The family would like to extend its gratitude for the wonderful care that was given to June by her home health aids, Aika, Lydia, Jessica, and Nadine from East End Hospice, Carrie, her nurse practitioner, Kerri, her nurse; and numerous friends and community members. They also wish to extend thanks to Schmidt’s Produce, Catena’s Market, and South Thrifty Drug Store for all of their help and compassion.
