Retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer, Joseph Gerard Morrissey, of Clermont Florida, peacefully passed away on June 19, 2022 after a prolonged illness. Joseph was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on March 25, 1941. He grew up in the New England area and spent most summers in Nova Scotia as a child. He joined the United States Navy in 1959 and served 22 faithful years including a tour in the Vietnam War. Joseph loved serving his country and was a very proud veteran. He attended many yearly Navy ship reunions after his retirement. Joseph then worked for Wet N’ Wild, Universal Studios, and Post Buckley in merchandise management.
Joseph was Christian and loved the Lord. He attended Catholic church as a child and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith when he married his loving wife, Elsa in 1987. Joe was an avid sports fan and loved the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, and Notre Dame football. He spent many years volunteering his time coaching little league baseball and at the Faith Neighborhood food pantry. Joe especially loved bowling and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and his favorite trips included Europe, Alaska, and Canada.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Elsa Morrissey of Clermont, FL; sister Pauline Sheehan of St. Petersburg, FL, son William of Sevierville, TN; son Roger (Samantha) of Minneola, FL; Stepson Michael Barefoot (Lisa) of Ocoee; Stepson Kurt Barefoot (Linda) of Enterprise, AL; Stepson Eric Barefoot (Kim) of Clermont, FL. Joe is pre-deceased by his son, Robert and they are now happily reunited in heaven. Joe loved his eight grandchildren immensely and they brought him great joy: Kyle Morrissey, Nicholas Morrissey, Laura Johnson, Noah Barefoot, Clayton Barefoot, Sarah Barefoot, Kaleigh Morrissey, and Gavin Morrissey. Joe is also survived by his great granddaughter, Davina Morrissey.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 10:30am Woodlands Lutheran Church 15333 CR455, Montverde. A luncheon will immediately follow at the church hall.
A graveside service will be at 1:30pm on July 2, 2022 at Orlando Memorial Gardens 5264 Ingram Road, Apopka.