Joseph J. Morrissey - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Joseph J. Morrissey

February 25, 1944 – July 5, 2014

Joseph J. Morrissey, age 70, of Bear, DE, died July 5, 2014, in his home while surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Burlington, NJ on February 25, 1944 to the late John J. Morrissey and Lillian Casperitis Morrissey. He always spoke of his great memories of growing up in Burlington and spending his summers with his family at their beach house in Atlantic City. Joe graduated from Burlington High School in 1962 and then Rider University in 1966. After college, he married and began working at the Internal Revenue Service then moved to Delaware in 1972 to work at the Bank of Delaware. In 1973, he began working at ICI/Zeneca as a computer analyst and was there until 2000 when he retired full time.

Joe’s two main loves in his life were his family and sports, in particular basketball. He loved to cheer on his favorite teams, the Phillies, Villanova basketball and all UD sports, and any team his children or family members were on. He was a devoted and loving father and husband and he found much joy spending time with his family and cherished their Sunday dinners together. As well, Joe loved coaching youth teams and teaching others about the sports he loved so much. From 1980-1997, he was active in Our Lady of Fatima’s sports programs, at times serving as the President of the Youth Activities Association, Director of Basketball, and as a coach for boys’ basketball. But nothing made him happier than rooting on his son Tim on the basketball court and his daughter Megan on the stage.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death, by his second wife, Peggy Bedingfield Sullivan Morrissey. He is survived by his children Timothy Morrissey and Megan Morrissey both of New Castle, his sister Mary Rubenstein (Herb) of Cherry Hill, NJ, his brother Jack Morrissey (Wilma) of Allenwood, NJ, his first wife Susan Morrissey of Newark, DE, his step daughter Paige Sullivan, his step-grandson Ryne Allen of Middletown, DE and many nieces, nephews and life-long cherished friends whom he loved and cared for greatly.

A memorial service, in celebration of his life, will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday afternoon, July 10, 2014 at the Spicer Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a visitation will be held from 10 am until 12 Noon. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Police Athletic League of Wilmington, 3707 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19802, in hopes more children can have the opportunity to learn and play the sports that Joe loved so much!

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23 Condolences for Joseph J. Morrissey

  • Tim and Megan, you were so fortunate to have such a loving and giving Father and to share so many wonderful memories. May those memories sustain you at this time. Love, Maggie

  • Go with God, Joe. You are finally at rest. You will always be remembered here on earth.

  • I always remember Joe as a wonderful, quiet, a bit shy, gentle giant in high school. Always respectful and
    kind. I’m sure his family will miss him terribly. RIP, Joe. You were definitely one of the good guys!

  • To Joe’s Family.
    Joe and I were classmates together at Saint Paul’s School in Burlington until seventh grade, (when I transferred to Burlington Jr. High School). We are cousins. We will remember Joe at all the weekend Masses, praying not only for the repose of his good soul, but also for the peace and well being of all his family.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Father Paul F. Morrissey, S.M.,
    Pastor, the Church of Saint Louis, King of France 506 Cedar Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101

  • Joe “Molt” Morrissey haven’t seen you in 40 years. Went to school with you, gonna miss you.

    Mike Montagano

  • I attended school with Joe, Kindergarten thru High School. He was a very nice guy, shy and respectful. We share the same birthday and I always thought kindly of him on Feb. 25th. Rest in Peace, Joe, and may God bless your family and give them strength and peace in the sad days ahead.

  • To Joe’s family:

    I worked with Joe and Don Ciancio at ICI back in the 80s. At the time I was the young guy – a few years out of college – and Joe and his colleagues took me under their wings. We almost always had lunch together in the cafeteria and I enjoyed the time spent together. As with many colleagues, we lost touch after I left ICI, but I have fond memories of Joe, his humor and his kind nature.

    My best to you

    Paul Scherer

  • I’m Ed Lukens daughter. (My father passed away last year, Jan. 2013, just shy of his 90th birthday) I remember Joe, Jack and Mary growing up and the house on Broad Street in Burlington. A wonderful family & many happy times. So sorry to all of you for your loss.

  • To Joes Family,
    He cherished everyone of you and was quick to brag on how much you helped him! Joe was a wonderful man even in the midst of his own illness he was quick to ask of my Poppop who was ill and past, while joe was ill himself. My deepest sympathies to you cherish the good times.
    Brandie

  • Dear Tim & Megan,

    I will always remember your father as one big teddy bear. He was so kind to all and always interested in your life regardless of how he was feeling. His illness never got him down as he was always so positive with whatever he spoke of. I miss seeing him and Peggy coming to the games, hand in hand as though they were newlyweds..how precious to finally find your soul mate and now they are together. Remember the wonderful times and know he’s only a thought away. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Love you Tim. Barbara

  • I read the obituary about the loss of your loved one and I
    extend my sincere condolences.
    Death is truly an enemy but there is comfort in the Bible
    that “God will actually swallow up death forever and
    certainly wipe the tears from all faces.” Isaiah 25:8

    Hold onto the beautiful memories of and find comfort
    from loving family and friends.

  • I was a class mate of Joes at Burlington Sr. High. He was a good guy and we had a lot of fun together in gym class. As Joe noted in my year book, Remember the he__ we raised in gym class. Like Margie (Davis) Stan we all share the same birth date, Feb. 25, 1944.
    Deepest sympathies to Joes family and God bless.

  • Go with God Joe although it’s been 50yrs. I remember our days at BHS and all the fun we had. So many have proceeded you so you won’t be alone. I think you’ll have enough to form a team. God Hold you in his hand. All my Love to your family..

    Chuck or as most called me in those days “Shrimp” or “Sp*c”..RIP..

  • To Joe’s Family & Friends,
    I went to school with Joe at St. Pau’ls Catholic School then on to Burlington Sr High until graduation in 1962, many years ago.
    Joe was always a good soul and the world will be a sadder place without him.
    I have no doubt that he is with God and is looking down smiling at his earthly family below.

    May God Bless Joe and his family.
    Ed Bartlett

  • I managed the fitness center in Newark, Delaware, where Joe regularly attended.
    I really enjoyed getting to know Joe. We were both huge sports enthusiasts, and had many
    great conversations. Joe was very hospitable, inviting me to Villanova basketball games,
    and University of Delaware sporting events. I will sorely miss Joe, and will remember all the good times.
    My thoughts and prayers to his family.

    Matt

  • Tim and Megan
    So sorry to hear about your Dad. Wasn’t too long ago we saw him at a U of D game. He was such a wonderful person. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m only up the street if you need anything. Michelle

  • To Joe’s Family,
    As Joe’s cousin, I still remember visiting his family at their Broad street home, what seemed to be such a long hallway to the kitchen, where is mom and dad were always so friendly and caring. I’m so glad that Joe and Peggy attended my parents 50th wedding anniversary in 2001. It was great talking with Joe, Peggy, Mary and Herb. You have my deepest sympathy as you remember Joe today.

  • To Joe’s Family
    I’m so sorry that I couldn’t make it to the service for Joe. Nancy and I always liked talking to Joe at our tailgates and at basketball games at UD. He and Peggy were always so enthusiastic about life. We’ll remember both of them fondly and we’ll miss them both. We’re grateful that they were part of our circle of friends. We’re keeping good thoughts for you.

    j

  • To Joe’s Family,
    I met Joe my first year at Rider, I was a freshman and very young and innocent and Joe and his crowd were all seniors. All of us were Accounting Majors. He was very kind to me and allowed me to commute with him numerous days of the week since I didn’t drive at that time. Our commuting and spare time at the student union were educational and life changing for me. He was truly a role model and helped shape my life. When he graduated and married our paths never crossed again. I will never forget his kindness and generousity he paid a troubled young girl and helped her grow.
    My deepest sympathy to his entire family and know that Joe was truly a gentle giant and one who touched my life to make me the person I am today. As my mother would say ” the good die young”.
    May his family stay strong during this difficult time of loss.
    Eve

  • I was a classmate of Joe’s at BHS. What a nice, gentle giant. So sorry to hear of his passing.

  • Tim n Megan,
    What a good looking pic of your father and a beautifully written obituary. May you always keep his memories close to your heart n share them at every opportunity…He will never be forgotten, you’re in my thoughts n prayers.

  • I was so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. I was a B.S.H.S. classmate of his & a cheerleader who remembers that gentle giant well… quiet, kind, & delightful to be around. R.I.P. Joe, and my deepest sympathy to your loved ones.

  • Jim and I were so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He was godfather to our daughter Debbie (who turns 48 next week). Please give our condolences to his family here from the state of Kentucky.