Stephen M. Morrissey, 92

Stephen M. Morrissey, 92 died suddenly on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, in his home at Lancaster, PA.

Mr. Morrissey was born February 13, 1914, son of Stephen J. and Eva E. Morrissey. He lived as a youth in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. He received a BS degree from Fordham University in 1937. Mr. Morrissey volunteered to enter the Army Air Corp. in 1942. As a Sergeant in the Weather Corp. he was loaned to the RAF in England, participated in the invasion of North Africa and Italy. During the rest of his life he took tremendous pride in his contribution during WWII. After being honorably discharged in 1945 he received a Masters degree from NYU in Social Services. As a Probation Officer and subsequently Supervisor he established a career in the Queens County Supreme Court in New York City.

He married Elise Horbatuck Morrissey in 1949. Together they raised 3 children in their home in Bayside Hills, NY.  During the summers they vacationed with their extended family in Lake Carmel, NY. After his wife’s death in 1992 Mr. Morrissey moved to Lancaster, PA.   Stephen Morrissey loved to drive. His family often would tell stories of car trips through out the years.  He loved to read.  Although his favorite subject was history, his book shelf was always packed with a variety of topics. He loved to create stained glass “Tiffany-like” lamp shades.  His lamps were treasured by who ever was fortunate enough to receive one as a gift. He loved baseball and especially the Yankees.  He remembered taking his dad to see Babe Ruth at Yankee stadium and playing baseball near the Chelsea piers. Above all he loved his family and his family loved him.

He is survived by 3 children; Kevin M. Morrissey and his wife Linda of Ridgefield, CT,  Brian C. Morrissey of Bayside, NY and Maureen P. Leader and her husband Rick of Lancaster, PA , 4 grandchildren; Kaylin L. Morrissey, Kyle R. Morrissey, Stephanie R. Leader, Catherine E. Leader.

Up to the very end of his life his family, friends and neighbors marveled at his ability to maintain a totally independent and fulfilling life.  The prior week Stephen Morrissey celebrated his 92^nd birthday.  As he dined at a local county club and looked around at his children and grandchildren he was heard to say “Boy it doesn’t get any better than this.”

He is predeceased by 3 sisters, Helen M., Evelyn P. and Veronica C.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster on Saturday at 11:00am.  Burial will be on Monday at 12:00 noon in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Stephen’s memory to Calvary Hospital, c/o Calvary Fund, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461.