“Morris was willing to give opportunities to younger staff and designated me as project engineer for the Harvard Square MBTA station when I was 24 years old. Once he gave someone an opportunity, he held them accountable. Although he could be a formidable presence, he always put people first.”
– Rich O'Brien
“Morris was a demanding and incredibly brilliant man who over the course of my 32 years at PB and the years since was not only my teacher and mentor, but when I needed him the most, my friend. Morris was such a powerful and enduring force in my life. I pray to this day with all my being that I made him proud.”
– Bob Mulvaney
“Morris would find the person in Parsons Brinckerhoff who was the best fit for the project … he focused on who was the best person in the company; it didn’t matter where they came from. He was very tenacious and such was his range of talent.”
– Mike Abrahams
“Morris hired me and gave me a chance … The reason I stayed so long with the company is thanks to him, his mentorship, leadership, higher intelligence, personal attention, promotion, friendship and so much more.”
– Camille Bechara
“I am very grateful that he was instrumental in a large part of my professional development during the early years as I was evolving to become a better manager. I will remember Morris Levy for all the things he accomplished for the company, but also on a personal level for all the good things he conveyed to me.”
– Sam Liao
“Morris was a Parsons Brinckerhoff legend. He was all business and if you performed, you earned his long-term respect. He was very supportive and helpful to Construction Services and to me personally.”
– Chris Reseigh
“Morris left his thumbprints on the firm and especially the city of Boston, where he was the principal-in-charge for the Boston Central/Artery Tunnel project, the Big Dig. He guided the client faithfully for 20 years to ensure the project changed the city and provided it a unique opportunity to solve its toughest transportation needs. Morris was always a fair, honorable and company man who cared about people first. I had tremendous respect for him and he is surely missed.”
– Michael Bertoulin
“I remember one of his management procedures that was very effective - Morris would hold an all-hands managers meeting every Monday at 7:30 am. He made it attractive by providing Dunkin Donuts and coffee. His main rule was to have each manager report, but only report on issues that may impact project delivery timing and quality. The meeting attendees then helped find solutions.”
– Brian Van Weele
“Morris was the epitome of a skilled engineer with an incredible memory and a total understanding of the business of engineering, client management and client satisfaction, as well as the vital role that engineering provides in our modern world. Morris made decisions. When one took a problem or issue to Morris, one got a positive reply. No time was wasted. This was one of the reasons that Morris' district was successful. Morris also trusted his staff. If you captured your share of the work and saw the projects to a successful conclusion, Morris remembered and was there to congratulate your efforts.”
– William Gray