OBITUARY
Mr. Dean Walter Morrissey
October 1, 1951 – March 4, 2021
MORRISSEY, Dean Walter – of Marshfield, formerly of Scituate passed away on March 4, 2021. He was the husband of Shan (Crete) Morrissey, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife and his daughter. He was the devoted and loving father of Ani C. Morrissey and the late Kate C. Morrissey. He was so pleased to have passed his creative genes to his beloved daughter Ani.
Born in Quincy on October 1, 1951, he was the son of Mary (Luce) Zimbone of Quincy, and the late Dennis Morrissey. He was a 1969 graduate of North Quincy High School where he first met his lifelong friends David and Michele, and went on to become a lineman, where he met some of his greatest friends, Joel and Nelson. Dean was a self taught master painter. After many years of illustrating book covers, he began to write his own stories, and had huge success with his stunning book “Ship of Dreams” which won a Best Illustrated Book Award from the Society of Illustrators, and a the New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award. Like one of his favorites, Norman Rockwell, his friends and family were models for many of his paintings. Dean continued to paint and write, publishing many other richly illustrated children’s books. Dean was also an accomplished guitarist, and cherished the years he played with John and Joe. Dean was also known for his sense of humor, and his Irish ability to spin a tale. Dean was a friend of Bill Wilson since the 1980’s, and left this world grateful for each day.
Loving brother of Bryan Morrissey of Hingham, Janet Morrissey of Scituate and the late Gary Morrissey. Brother in law to Joanne Morrissey, Christine Vella, Terri and Neil Meehan, Doug and Jodie Crete, Dan and Kellie Crete. Uncle of Gary Morrisey, David Morrissey, Patrick Morrissey, the late Samantha Sawan, Amanda Morrissey, Terence Morrissey, Kelly Morrissey, Alanna Conrick, James Meehan, Sean Meehan, Jeremy Crete, Hailley Crete, Ben Crete, Tapper Crete, Addie Crete. Dean is also survived by his dear cousins, and several great nieces and nephews.
As this pandemic changes the way we join together to mourn and celebrate our beautiful husband, father, brother and friend, there will be a Celebration of Life when the weather is warmer and we can gather again. If folks would like to contribute to a charity in his memory, we have chosen the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, www.cff.org, Father Bill’s https://helpfbms.org/, and the Come as You Are Coalition www.cayacoalition.org
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Mr. Dean Walter Morrissey
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBeth Monaco
March 28, 2021
Shan and Ani,
We are very sorry to hear about Dean’s death. We always enjoyed talking with him and were amazed by his artistic talent. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. His talent will never be forgotten. I will read his story, The Ship of Dreams with my students in memory of him.
Sincerely,
Beth and Mike Monaco
Steve Moran
March 26, 2021
Heartbroken to hear of Dean's passing for his family. Dean's Ship of Dreams captivated my childhood expectations of fantasy made real by his art. I have shared Dean's work with my children and nieces & nephews as a cherished standard of childhood dreams.
Blessings to all of you who know & love Dean. His love, laughter & art are everlasting.
CAROL CORRIGAN
March 19, 2021
Sending tender thoughts out to all Dean's family...
I met Dean one evening during a Greenwich Workshop seminar in Scottsdale AZ . I approached him there that evening as he looked a bit lost and that is how I felt being there for my first seminar meeting artists. We had a very nice visit. Even though our paths never crossed again, our time shared there was indeed special and unforgettable. I owned a gallery in Medford, Oregon at the time. I can testify to all the nice things everyone has mentioned here. He truly personified a thoughtful, soft spoken, kind hearted special person who thought deeply about people he new. He mentioned his wife and daughter and shared the many things and thoughts that inspired his artwork. We truly have all been blessed by knowing Dean Morrissey ... even for those of us who shared only a brief hour or two one evening.
Thank you Dean Morrissey.
My heartfelt wishes go out to each of his dear family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Chris Toto Zaremba
March 12, 2021
Dean was more than a neighbor in Scituate West End. Like so many here, he was a creative soul. Creatives have the advantage of touching so many people and leaving so much behind for us to remember them by. My family have treasured the books he has left us messages in.
To his family, keep your memories close, share your stories and laugh. He will always be with you. He is just on the 'other side' where dreams are formed...
Sharon Agersea
March 12, 2021
I have enjoyed Dean's art for many years. He will be missed. God has quite the art gallery we will all enjoy one day.
Thoughts &Prayers to his family.
John Lawson
March 10, 2021
Through the years , from back in the days on Wilson Court and beyond , Dean would always be the coolest guy I would ever know. It was always a privilege to spend time with him and his sense of humor.
He had a great deal of humility. Dean made you feel what you were saying to be of importance , as he listened so intently , though it was his words that carried weight.
To Shan , Ani , A. Mary , Janet and Bryan our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. From John , Mary and the family , Dean was a good soul and we will miss him so.
Lance Van Lenten
March 10, 2021
We are so sad to learn of Dean’s passing. He was an immensely talented and loving person. Deepest condolences to Shan, Ani and everyone else who has been impacted by this loss. Please let us know when a memorial service will happen. Love, Kris and Lance
Michael Corwin
March 9, 2021
A true friend for over 40 years...
Patrick Leahy
March 8, 2021
Our prayers for you Dean and your family. It’s heartbreaking to know we will not see you and talk with you at your appearances in Gettysburg in the future. We are so lucky that we own several of your beautiful works. You will always be rememberedin our hearts. 🙏🏻
Roger Conboy
March 8, 2021
Mary, Janet, Bryan, Shan and Ani I am so very sorry for your loss. Dean was a great person and a very talented artist. I have many fond memories while growing up with him in our Clark St. / Wilson Court neighborhood. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peter Clarke
March 8, 2021
Met Dean at a show for the South Shore Artists exhibition down the Cape round 1996 after purchasing his book and print, ‘Ship of Dreams’. Think we spoke once or twice after that, exchanged a couple letters. Over the past year we had connected on Facebook first as artist to artist then deeper into each other’s philosophies, views on politics, the ways of the world as well as life at home. I connected him with my friend Jeff Kinney to have Dean do a public appearance, meet and greet at Jeff’s bookstore, ‘An Unlikely Story’ and plans were underway to see it through. Last exchange we shared was middle of last week, I working in my studio and him I suppose working in his. Having chatted a couple hours he had to bow out in order to get to his mother’s. Last thing I remember typing was talk to you later. Guess not. I will miss my friend, though I hardly knew him at all. Not being familiar with his family or friends I likely never know anything more than what I read online. I am sad.. I will always be grateful for what time we had together, for his encouraging words during times of frustration and putting myself down. Even my wife noted a change for the better in my overall outlook on life in general. Hoping we both wind up in heaven and can pick up where we left off. May you truly Rest In Peace,
Maureen Keys
March 7, 2021
Our hearts and thoughts are with you, Shan and Ani. May you feel the love and support that is out here .
Larry ogara
March 7, 2021
I had the privilege of playing in a blues band with Dean and also had the opportunity to pose for him for some book covers many years back. I was enriched by his presence and now I am saddened by his loss. We had not communicated oftenb recently but my thoughts of him were never far away. Sorry for your passing my friend, and my condolences to Shan and your family.
Donna Brown
March 7, 2021
It was such an honor to have known Dean for years. His talent was endless. Such a loss for all.
Heidi Mac Donald
March 7, 2021
Shan & Ani I’m so very sorry to learn of Deans passing. He will live on thru his art, some of which hangs in our home.
May his memory be a blessing
Linda Stafford
March 6, 2021
Before my brother Ken Higgs passed away, he worked hand in hand with Mr Morrissey. He spoke so highly of him. May God comfort you knowing he has touched many lives.
Sorry for your loss.
Gordon Lawson
March 6, 2021
The words are hard to find. The Morrisey family has endured much but all the while loving family/friends and and enriching our lives. Dean was awesome to be around. His infectious smile, soft spoken nature with the heart of a lion, talented artist, musician and all around inspiration. I bought my very first electric guitar from him back in the 60's and that changed my life forever...Music has has been with me all my life and I have him to thank. Several times over the years we spoke of jamming together, but we never had an opportunity. Many wonderful memories and his paintings and books are in our home and he is in our hearts. To Mary, Bryan and Janet and all the family you are all in our thoughts and prayers. All our love! Gordie, Joanne and the Lawson family.
Gary Stella
March 6, 2021
Sorry for your loss
Richard McNeice
March 6, 2021
RIP Dean,Condolences to your family and friends
Thomas Canty
March 5, 2021
I can't believe this, I was just "talking" with him last week about what our futures might hold, about getting together once again, about art, about everything ! ! !
I'm LOST ! ! ! !
All my be very best wishes to his sister and brother, his family, I can't imagine how you must feel . . .