Obituary of John Patrick Morrissey

John Patrick Morrissey, 86, of Martinsville, passed away in his home, surrounded by family, on December 19th. Mr. Morrissey was predeceased by five days by his wife of 59 years, Hazel Lydecker Morrissey. The pair celebrated a greatly admired 70-year relationship, together overcoming a world war, raising three children, and making countless contributions to the community. Son to the late Leo W. Morrissey and Florence B. Morrissey, Mr. Morrissey was born in Tacoma Park, MD, raised in Bound Brook, NJ and spent his adult life in Martinsville, NJ. Mr. Morrissey served as a sergeant and anti-aircraft machinist in the 9th division of the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his return from Europe, he spent more than 40 years working for Loft's Pedigreed Seed of Bound Brook, eventually serving as Vice President of the company. Mr. Morrissey was an active member of the Somerset County 4-H organization, serving as a club leader and as president in 1969. He also was a member of the Somerset County Board of Agriculture. From 1973 to 1991, some of the most formative years of growth in the area, Mr. Morrissey served on the Bridgewater Planning Board. His proudest accomplishment on the Board included contributing to the construction of the Bridgewater Commons. Elected to Bridgewater Town Council in 1974, Mr. Morrissey continued his love of public service as a Democrat in town politics and served as mayor from 1979 to 1983. Mr. Morrissey will be remembered as a devout Roman Catholic, devoted husband, father and grandfather, and for his mischievous twinkle and talent as a storyteller. Those fortunate enough to break bread at the Morrissey dining room table account for his unusual sense of humor and sense of conviction. He leaves behind scores of friends around the country and the world, many of them a product of Mr. Morrissey and his wife's generosity in opening their home to dozens of visitors over the years. Mr. Morrissey was predeceased by his wife Hazel by a mere five days, four infants and four of his six siblings (Thomas Morrissey, Alice Brucia, and Joseph and George Morrissey). He is survived by his sisters Catherine Jonic of Sandwich, MA and Ellenora McDonough of Toms River, NJ, three children, Leo W. Morrissey of Wilbraham, MA, Mary Morrissey-Ross of Fairfield, CT and Catherine (Kate) Neary of Riegelsville, PA, and nine grandchildren, Gwynne, Ian and Bevin Morrissey, Catherine, Patrick and Brendan Ross, and Brooke, Brandon and Hazel Neary. Donations may be made to Somerset Medical Center ( www.somersetmedicalcenter.com), Blessed Sacrament Parish Martinsville, NJ ( www.blessedsacrament.cc) or Covenant House ( www.covenanthouseny.org). Visiting hours will be held at Higgins Funeral Home, 752 Mountain Blvd. in Watchung ( www.higginsfuneralhome.com) on Tuesday, 12/22/09 from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Resurrection will be held for John and Hazel Morrissey at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Martinsville at 10 AM on Wednesday 12/23/09.