Patrick Michael Morrissey

Patrick M. Morrissey, age 78, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan due to complications from Multiple Myeloma. He was born on January 10, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in Overland. Patrick is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Johanna Yared Morrissey, and cherished daughter, Megan Morrissey; brother Glennon (Cheryl) Morrissey, sister Kathleen Kenney, brother Brian (Paula) Morrissey, and sister-in-law Andrea Morrissey; brothers-in-law David (Joan Primo) Yared, and Donald Stein; many nieces and nephews spanning three generations; and dear trusted friends Michael and Ruth Paskewicz. Patrick was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Elizabeth (Betty) Morrissey, his brother Robert Morrissey, aunts Jane Morrissey and Marge Morrissey; and sister-in-law Annette Yared Stein.

Patrick Morrissey met Johanna Yared through their mutual careers in teaching. They found much in common together, including art, music, nature, humor, and current events, but not the least of which was their intellectual compatibility. They married in 1981, sharing a wonderful, happy and devoted life together. Their daughter Megan has been the light of their lives.

Patrick graduated from Truman State University in 1970 with a B.S. degree in Education. He earned a Master’s degree in Reading Education from Grand Valley State University. Patrick was a dedicated and committed educator in the Grand Rapid Public Schools (GRPS) for 40 years, teaching elementary classroom, outdoor education, and first grade for the last 22 years of his career. Patrick served the GRPS outside of the classroom in many capacities including curriculum writing, textbook selection, early childhood education, teacher competencies, teacher mentorship, and millage campaigns.

Away from the classroom, Patrick Morrissey had many interests and hobbies which gave him much joy. Patrick was a lifelong, highly skilled birder, often participating in the Michigan Great Backyard Bird Count. The family enjoyed many treks into the woods, to bird sanctuaries and other natural areas to observe avian wildlife. He also loved gardening and possessed a unique perspective on garden style.

Patrick was also very passionate about cooking and was an accomplished chef. He would spend great time and effort meticulously creating masterful preparations and meals, to exacting detail. For many years during the holidays, Patrick would be found in the kitchen alongside sister-in-law Joan Primo, sharing recipes and making the traditional feasts together.

Patrick was always healthy and strong, but the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma in 2018 became an enormous challenge which he fought bravely. Despite the disease impacting every part of his life, Patrick maintained a grace, dignity, and optimism throughout eight years of grueling treatment and care. He never fell into self-pity or anger, rather taking it in stride, knowing the ultimate result was out of his hands, relying on his faith to propel him forward in the face of pain and debilitating treatments.

Patrick Morrissey was known far and wide as a truly wonderful person, good husband, father, son, brother and friend. Nephew Benjamin Yared loved and was particularly devoted to his Uncle Pat. Patrick was also blessed with a very quick wit, wry sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes. He found humor in small things every day. He spoke softly, but could leave a room a little more amused - and just slightly more roasted (often unbeknownst to those present) - than he found it.

Patrick treated people with courtesy, kindness, and respect, never demeaning others to elevate himself. Even during his final weeks in the ICU, he treated the tireless nursing staff and caregivers with such regard, they all grew to love and appreciate him, even stopping by his room just to say goodbye at the end of their long daily shifts. At the time of his passing, he did so with his wife and daughter by his side, holding and comforting him.

The family appreciates and wishes to thank the many special friends and relatives who were always there in countless ways with practical help, food, encouragement, prayers, and more.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Additional visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2275 Diamond Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. A funeral mass will follow at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Feeding America of West Michigan (www.feedwm.org).