John Edmund Morawski

John Edmund Morawski, 69, of Southport, North Carolina, passed away on October 5, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and countless memories that will bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

John was born on December 23, 1956, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Edmund John and Barbara Ann (Roslund) Morawski. He grew up in the Vernon Hill area of Worcester and lived in the same house from the day he was born until he moved to California. There, he and his wife, Laurie, raised their four children in the small town of Lake Los Angeles. It was there that John built a life centered around family, community, sports, and the things that brought him the most happiness.

Sports were a lifelong passion for John. He was a devoted fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins, along with the New York Yankees and, somewhat unexpectedly, the San Francisco Giants. His love of sports went beyond watching games. For many years, he coached and umpired softball, touching the lives of countless children and families in his community. He shared his love of the game with generations of young players and became a familiar face to many.

John's competitive spirit followed him to sporting events, where he was never shy about giving the opposing team a hard time. Whether cheering for his favorite teams or heckling rival fans, he made sure everyone knew where he stood. His enthusiasm and playful banter were all part of the experience of going to a game with John.

Kids and animals were two of John's greatest passions. He had a special place in his heart for children, whether he was coaching them on the softball field, raising his own family, or spending time with his grandchildren.

If John loved you, you had a nickname. No one was left out, and his nicknames became a special way of showing affection. To his granddaughters, he was affectionately known as "Crazy Grandpa," a name that suited his playful personality. To his grandson, he was "Papa." Whatever they called him, his grandchildren knew him as someone who loved making them laugh and rarely passed up an opportunity to spoil them with candy.

Music was another part of John's life, and some of his family's favorite memories came with a song. Even long after his children had grown up, he continued singing "Peas & Carrots" and "On Top of Spaghetti" to them and his grandchildren. These familiar songs became a lasting family tradition, connecting generations and serving as a reminder that some childhood memories never grow old.

John also loved soaking up the sun and finding joy in life's simple pleasures. Whether sharing a laugh, singing an old favorite, cheering on his teams, or spending time with the people he loved, he had his own unmistakable way of making memories.

In later years, John and Laurie made their homes in Colorado and eventually Southport, North Carolina. Through the different places they lived and the many years they shared, family remained at the center of John's life.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Laurie (Chomo) Morawski; his daughters, Jaclyn Hatfield and Heather Tombaugh; his sons, Johnny Morawski and Michael Morawski; his grandchildren, Vivianne, Madeleine, Dean, and Ava; and his sister, Sharon Mallozzi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund John and Barbara Ann (Roslund) Morawski.

John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren, the young athletes he coached, and the countless stories that will be shared for years to come. He will be remembered for his competitive spirit, his humor, the nicknames he gave to those he loved, and the songs that will forever bring his family back to memories of him.

Services will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Peacock, Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, 1411 North Howe Street, Southport, North Carolina. The service will be live streamed on the Peacock, Newnam and White FaceBook page.

Following the service, family members will gather for a meal at Fishy Fishy in Southport.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to www.gofundme.com/f/support.for.laurie.n8hne

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.