Robert W. Morrissey

Robert W. Morrissey, 97, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at his home in Hamden, CT. He was born in New Haven, CT on November 29, 1925 to the late John and Mary (McGuinness) Morrissey. Bob is predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Rosemary (Moran), his daughter Elizabeth, son-in-law, Thomas Burke, sisters Cathleen, Regina and Eileen, brothers Vincent and Joseph, half-sister Margarite Doyle, half-brother John Morrissey, and loving companion of ten years, Dot Salemi.

In February of 1944, at the age of 18, Robert entered World War II, serving with Company 261 of The United States Navy in the Atlantic and Asiatic Pacific Theaters on the DE USS Christopher and The USS Alabama as an Electrician’s Mate, Third Class. Following his military service, he returned to Southern New England Telephone (SNET). While employed at SNET, he completed his degree in Electrical Engineering at New Haven College in 1964. After a 43-year career at SNET, Robert retired in 1985 as a Director of Network Services.

Bob served his community as a member and past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, membership in the Knights of Columbus Carmel Council 3605, and the New Haven Elks. As a lifelong member of the Telephone Pioneers, he continued his valuable associations with his fellow retired SNET friends.

After he and Rosemary raised their eight children in Hamden, Newtown and finally, Wallingford, they happily retired to Branford, CT. They enjoyed their retirement doting on their grandchildren, and traveling throughout the world. Upon retirement, Bob took up downhill skiing and loved taking runs in Vermont, out West, and in the Alps. Bob was also a lifelong golfer and shared that passion with multiple generations of friends and family, and was still active in the K of C Senior golf league. Affectionately known to many as Uncle Bob or “U.B.,” he treasured his relationships with countless nieces, nephews and long-term friends. As a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Bob was a man of faith. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner.

Until the very end, Bob’s calendar was full. He continued to be an active part of his social circle, and his company was highly sought after. This past September, Bob took part in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. where he and 43 other CT veterans spent a wonderful day being honored for their service and sacrifice. There is no doubt that he was a member of what we have come to know as The Greatest Generation.

Bob is survived by seven children: Robert J. Morrissey (Helen) of Cheshire, CT, Daniel Morrissey (Laurie) of Hopkinton, NH, Mary Morrissey Burke of Avon, CT and her companion David Donnelly of Pembroke, MA, Thomas Morrissey (Diana) of Conifer, CO, John Morrissey (Deborah) of Stonington, CT, Laurie McGinley (Robert) of Chester, CT and Patrick Morrissey (Sandy) of Boulder, CO. Additionally, he is survived by eleven treasured grandchildren: Ryan Morrissey, Brendan Morrissey, Erin Vanden Borre, Megan Morrissey, Jessica Burke, Owen Morrissey, Caitlyn Bell, Sean Morrissey, Seamus McGinley, Daniel McGinley and Rosemary Morrissey and by eleven equally treasured great-grandchildren.

Friends may visit with Robert’s family on Thursday, October 26th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. His funeral will take place on Friday from the funeral home at 10:00 a.m., with his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish / Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Military Honors will take place at the church following his Mass. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://honorflightct.org/donations.