Richard Arthur Morrison

Richard Arthur Morrison, 83, of Ellington, formerly of East Windsor and East Hartford, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday March 20, 2015. He was born in Hartford, a son of the late Thomas and Lillian (Hammond) Morrison and was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1949. Richard was a fire fighter for the Town of East Hartford for 38 years, retiring as Deputy Chief. He was a past Vice President of Fire Fighters Union Local #1548. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1950-1952 during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Richard was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church and an ardent Red Sox and men’s and women’s UConn Basketball fan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Jane (Sasiela) Morrison, his son Richard Morrison of East Hartford, five daughters, Carol LaCroix and her devoted companion Charlie Calabrese of Marlborough, Cynthia Caneen and her husband Joseph of Stafford Springs, Christine Beaulieu and her husband Steven of Columbia, Cathleen Wetmore and her husband John of Colchester and Constance Grant and her husband Steven of Gilford, New Hampshire, one sister Eleanor Freddo and her husband Joseph of Bolton, ten grandchildren, Beth Allen, Dawn LaCroix, Sarah and Kelly Caneen, Rachel Freeman, Sheri and Alisha Morrison, Ryan and Alex Wetmore and Kelsie Grant, six great-grandchildren, Julianna, Kaylee, Jacob, Benjamin, Savannah and Jackson. He was predeceased by his sister Shirley Hull. Funeral services will be Wednesday March 25, 2015 at 9:30AM from the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, followed by the Liturgy of Christian Burial, 10:30AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, burial with military honors will be in the Veterans Memorial Field of Hillside Cemetery, all in East Hartford. Calling hours are Tuesday, March 24 from 4-8PM at the funeral home. For more information, to order flowers or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com