FALL RIVER … Raymond A. Morrissette, 87, of Fall River passed away, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River.
He was the husband of Rita L. (Pelletier) Morrissette of Fall River.
Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Ovila and Yvonne (Watts) Morrissette and had been a lifelong resident of this city.
He was a communicant of St. Bernadette’s Parish and the former Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
Mr. Morrissette was a retail display specialist operating nationally and a store manager at the former Morse Shoe Company for 44 years prior to his retirement in 1987. He was an associate for 14 years at the Boyko Memorial Funeral Home, the former L. O. Paradis Funeral Home and the former Fall River Limousine Service.
He served in the United States Marine Corps, 6th Division, as a Sergeant during World War II. He served in the South Pacific Theatre, including Guam and Guadalcanal, in addition to serving in Japan and China. He served in the Marine Corp Reserves for 2 ½ years as a Sergeant. He was a Life member of the Marine Corps League, L/Cpl J VanGyzen detachment #1285. Raymond was the former treasurer of St. Vincent de Paul Store in Fall River, a life member of Council 12380 MSGR Prevost Knights of Columbus, 4th degree member of 12380 Bishop Stang Assembly of Knights of Columbus, and John Foster Stafford Post 314 American Legion. He also was a member of the Holy Name Society, Eucharistic Minister since 1983, received the Marian Medal in 1988 from Bishop Cronin, past President of St. Vincent de Paul Society of the former Notre Dame de Lourdes Church. He received the St. Vincent de Paul Top Hat Award November 7, 2010, Knights of Columbus Msgr. Jean. A. Prevost Council #12380 Knight of the year award November 2, 2008, and was a member of the American Legion Post #03114. Raymond was also a collector for 55 years at the former Notre Dame de Lourdes Church.
Survivors include his wife, Rita, whom he was married to for more than 65 years; 2 Sons: Raymond Morrissette and his wife Susan of Burlington, VT; Marc Morrissette and his wife Robin of Plainville, MA; 3 Daughters: Sr. Paula Morrissette OP of Jerusalem; Joan Ponton of Tucson, AZ; Paula Hamel and her husband Armand of Chesterfield, VA; 2 Brothers: Frederick Morrissette of Fall River and Arthur Morrissette of Austin, TX; 3 Sisters: Theresa Campbell of Churchton, MD, Rita Leverett of Dartmouth, MA, and Jacqueline Yokel of Dartmouth, MA; 3 dear grandchildren: Lyndsy, Raymond, and Aaron; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Wilfred Morrissette.
The family extends a special thank you to his former son in law, Thomas Ponton of Fall River for his caring devotion and time.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited to will be Tuesday January 21, 2014 at 9:30AM at SOUTH COAST FUNERAL HOME 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Bernadette’s Parish, 529 Eastern Ave, Fall River. Internment in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Calling hours will be Monday from 5-8PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Ave, Fall River, MA 02720.