Donald Morrissey

Donald was born in Boston on September 15, 1937, to the late William and Mary (Griffin) Morrissey. Growing up in Somerville, he graduated from Somerville High School in 1955 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving in Germany until 1957. Upon returning home, he pursued higher education earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston State College and his Master’s Degree from Bridgewater State College. He and Leslie were married on June 17, 1967 in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Norwood, MA and raised their family Bourne. He began his professional career as a teacher at the Bourne Grammar School/Frances Stowell School teaching grades 5 and 6. He served as principal of the Ella Hoxie School, Otis Memorial School, Bourne Grammar School/Frances Stowell School, and the James F. Peebles Elementary School, all in Bourne.

Donald loved westerns and war movies and was a World War II buff. He enjoyed gardening, being with his family and friends as well as spending time with his Grandchildren. He loved to participate in the All Star Review with the elementary school children. Donald was a long time member of the Bourne Recreation Authority, the Bourne Recreation Committee, the Community Preservation Committee, and the Bourne Council on Aging. Don also loved to travel and spent some time in the Caribbean and Europe every year.

Donald was predeceased by his siblings Loretta Morrissey, Doris Cavanaugh, Jack Morrissey, Michael Morrissey and David Morrissey.

Donald is survived by his wife Leslie of 48 years, their children Becky Morrissey, of Bourne, and Laura Civilinski and her husband Derek of Wrentham, his brother Richard Morrissey and his wife Theresa of Somerville, and sister in-law Joanna Morrissey. He is also survived by his grandchildren Summer Lee Hofeldt and Colby Civilinski.

A period of visitation will be held with the family on Tuesday, April 12, from 4-8pm at the Nickerson Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd, Bourne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 13, at 11:00am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 841 Shore Road, Pocasset, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1pm. Friends may share condolences and sign the register book online at www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Don Morrissey Scholarship, c/o Bourne Educators Association, Box 3033, Bourne, MA 02532.