Two Norwich alumni die in WTC terrorist attack Sept. 11

Surviving friends share fond memories of departed classmates Thomas Palazzo, class of 1979 and George Morell, class of 1976

By Kylee Dalmata
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

The tragic attack of Sept. 11 on New York City's World Trade Center claimed the lives of two Norwich alumni who worked in the towers.

Thomas A. Palazzo, class of 1979, and George W. Morell, class of 1976, both worked on the 104th floor in the mortgage department of the securities firm Cantor-Fitzgerald, which lost approximately 700 employees in the attack, according to David Whaley, Norwich's Vice President of Institutional Advancement and a classmate of one of the victims.

"We'll remember the contributions they made, the friendships they had and the impressions they left on the school," Whaley said. "Right now, it is just a matter of how strong we can be as a family. Sometimes we just have to pull together."

Morell graduated with David Whaley, Ed Burkart, Steve Looke and Scott Knoebel, according to Ed Burkart, Norwich's director of alumni affairs.

"Norwich is tight; we take care of our own," Burkart said. "Many alumni from classes around '76 are calling the alumni office to ask how they can help, what they can donate. The response has been great. It has amazed everyone involved, the sincerity of concern offered to the victims' families."

According to the official university press release, Morell graduated from Norwich with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He played rugby, lacrosse, and was on the swim team. He was also named to the Dean's list his senior year.

Morell's yearbook quote reads, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past."

Originally from Rye, N.Y., and living in Mt. Kisco, N.Y., Morell leaves behind three brothers who also graduated from Norwich, a wife, and four children.

Palazzo, from Armonk, N.Y., is survived by his wife, three children, and a brother who also attended Norwich.

Services have been held for both men in their home towns, and Morell's class held their own informal ceremony at their 25th reunion in Sugarbush over Alumni Weekend.

"You go through this together, this four-year experience, and you're lifetime friends," Burkart said.

A Norwich flag was sent down to the Morell service, as requested by his family. The president called Morell's wife to extend the university's condolences.

According to Whaley, Morell's brother, Jay Morell, class of 1973, has called the school to thank Norwich for its support.

"They were a tremendous Norwich family, with a father that really believed in the school," Whaley said. "In general, everyone has been overwhelmed by the Norwich response and alumni that called to help. It is the 'Norwich Connection.' Leaving the school doesn't make you any less a part of it. It only helps to make you more a part."

Whaley did, however, express his hope that, in mourning the death of these two lost brothers, the Norwich family would not forget to remember all those brothers and sisters who have been recently lost.

"Not to downplay what happened at the World Trade Center or Pentagon, but we have lost a lot of alumni," Whaley said. "That affects us as a family. We'll remember their passing."

Burkart fears these two deaths may not be the only tragedy Norwich has to face in the coming year.

"We have a lot of Norwich alums at the Pentagon and also at the World Trade Center," Burkart said. "There may be more."

Both men said that Norwich needs time to heal from this loss in the family, but the university must not lose sight of what is still here.

Back to Guidon index