Neighborhood icon Morty the CVS cat dies.

It was fitting that I met Morty in the section reserved for cold and flu remedies at the North Fremont Street CVS, because nothing could have made me feel better than a moment of communion with a cool cat.

So this makes for some sad news.

According to his own Facebook page, Morty died after apparently being struck by a car in front of the drug store, the place where he loved to hang out, and where an impromptu memorial with pictures, flowers and cans of cat food is forming.

The announcement went like this: "RIP Morty. Apparently, he was found on the road in front of his favorite place in the whole world – CVS. He was truly unique and lived exactly how he wanted to!"

His owner Stephen Moorer said Morty, who was 4 years old, was a people's cat. "He would come home late at night, fall asleep on the couch and in the morning he would get up and go to work," Moorer says. "He was a greeter at CVS."

As Moorer and his family mourn the death of Morty, they are heartened by the anecdotes many people who met him at CVS have shared with them. 

"So many people have shown us photographs and told us stories about their time with Morty," Moorer says. "It's amazing. I've never known an animal like that."

The comments from some of his 247 Facebook friends reveal how much of a community treasure he was. Here are some thoughts from Morty's friends:

‎John Sarge Appleton‎: "I heard the news this morning from the CVS clerk, whom I've known for a few years now, whom was completely broken by this. I had to walk away and regain my composure! I couldn't believe, didn't want to accept this. [Morty] greeted me every morning. When I say [to] the clerk looking out the front doors, 'No Morty this morning?' then the news...I already miss you my friend...My morning will never be the same! Forever remembered!"

Angi Michelle Tatsuoka: "Going to hug my kitties a little extra tonight for Morty...I'll never forget, first time I met him i thought he was lost so I took him to the emergency vet and had them scan his chip to find the poor owner who let me know that he was the CVS mascot. Almost took him home to be a big brother! He will be missed dearly."

Carissa Sobeslavsky‎: "This little guy would make my day when I was working. He always ran up to me waiting for his food and belly rubs. We lost a crew member today and this store will never be the same without him. Rest in peace in kitty heaven Morty—feeling sad at CVS."

Sarah Lapré: "Our independent, wandering spirit has wandered on. He's left us with broken hearts, and so many good memories."

Koly McBride: "Every so often, a piece of American life reminds us to slow down and appreciate the small things. Morty's presence at his favorite store was a huge reminder and in his too short time on earth, he brought joy and happiness to hundreds in our community."