Edmund Morrissey

Edmund Miller Morrissey, 9/18/1926 – 9/12/2011.  It is with a very heavy heart that the family of Edmund Miller Morrissey announce his passing to be with our Lord, just days shy of his 85^th birthday.  Ed passed peacefully, following a brief illness, at his home with his family, most importantly, his beloved and dear wife of nearly 63 years, Trixie, by his side.

Born September 18, 1926, in Alton, IL, to Edmund Henry and Emma Miller Morrissey, Ed graduated from Marquette High School in 1944 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the Merchant Marines to help serve his country during WWII, whereas he was decorated with the Victory Medal.  Upon his return to Alton, Ed pursued a higher education, enrolling first at St. Louis University before graduating from Washington University’s School of Engineering.  During that time, Ed met the love of his life, the former Therese (Trixie) Louise Woodbury and they married on November 27, 1948.  Together, they settled into a life together, founding and building a business, Morrissey Construction Co., and a loving home for their ultimately 11 children.  Ed’s firm was instrumental in shaping the region as it grew from its humble beginnings in the basement of their home to one of the region’s leading commercial and residential developers, completing more than 14,000 affordable housing developments, retail outlets, churches, schools, institutional facilities for the developmentally disabled, and law enforcement headquarters.  Throughout his life, Ed devoted countless hours to volunteer his time and talent on many civic Boards for the betterment of the overall community he cherished and was always there for St. Ambrose Catholic Church, where he worshipped and served for more than 60 years.

Ed had a passion for travel and learning other cultures, most notably the ancient cultures of Central America, where he was recognized as an authority in the field of pre-Columbian antiquities.  Additionally, Ed’s hobbies included hunting, fishing and woodworking.  His greatest passion, though, was simply spending time with his many family and friends.  In addition to being a devoted husband and father, rarely missing a youth sporting event or activity his children were a part of, he took great pleasure in helping others and spreading goodwill, touching the lives of countless individuals, both friends and strangers, in so many ways.

Ed leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Trixie, and their 11 children [Ed, Jr. (Patty), Mike (Linda), Barbara McGrew (Michael), Tom (Laurie), Jim, Joe, John, Teri Holland (Dean), Dan (Kimara), Patrick, and Kathy Brandt (Kurt)]; 27 grandchildren [Mary Morrissey, Jeanne Kirimca, Michael C. Morrissey, Jr., Vanessa Bassett, Ryan Morrissey, Tom Edmoundson, Micah Spicer, Edmund Q. Morrissey, McKenna Morrissey, John Paul Morrissey, Jackson Morrissey, Jacob Morrissey, Erich Holland, Nathan Holland, Michelle Holland, Samantha Purcell-Blyth, Daniel Morrissey, Jr., Emma Morrissey, Joseph R. Morrissey, Margaret Morrissey, Alexander Morrissey, Matthew Morrissey, Lauren Brandt, Zachary Brandt, Noah Brandt, Luke Brandt, and Sophia Brandt]; and 7 great grandchildren [Konnor Morrissey, Kollin Morrissey, Karson Morrissey, Kooper Morrissey, Madison Bassett, Isabelle Bassett, and Shane Morrissey].  Ed is also survived by his brother, Thomas Morrissey, M.D., his sister-in-law, Jean Woodbury Culligan Doris, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Mary Josephine “Jody” Morrissey.

The family will receive visitors at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 14 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a Mass of Christian Celebration at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Thursday, September 15 at 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey.  Military Rites will be conducted by Alton VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Ed’s memory to Marquette Catholic High School, Masses, or a charity of one’s own choosing.

Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey will be handling arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home