Obituary of Joseph "Joe" C. Morrison

Joseph “Joe” C. Morrison 76, lifelong resident of Freehold, NJ passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022 after a long disabling illness caused by agent orange exposure. Joe was born in Neptune Township, NJ November 19, 1945. If you knew Joe you knew his pension for humor. Even on his last day with us, true to form, he was cracking jokes with his nurses. After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam. Joe received multiple medals and awards to include a Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Medal, as well as a Vietnam Service medal and Distinguished Service Medal awarded to him by the State of New Jersey for his service. Upon return he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves and joined the Freehold Fire Department, Richardson Engine Company No. 2. He would have celebrated his 50th anniversary this year. His volunteer career started in 1972 as he rode the fire truck dressed as Smoky The Bear for their 100th Anniversary. He served as captain of Richardson Engine Company No. 2, department president, and as a member of the Freehold Fireman’s Exempt Association. Later in life he enjoyed playing cards on Friday nights with his firehouse buddies, the “poker pigs.” Joe retired in 2010 from the IBEW Local No. 400 as a journeyman electrician having worked on many facilities in the state. Joe was proud to be involved in multiple organizations affiliated with the military to include Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds Marine Corps League, the American Legion Post NO. 54, VFW of Asbury Park Post No. 701 and the newly formed Westlake Veterans Group. He has also been a lifelong communicant of St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold. Joe married his childhood friend and neighbor, Kathleen “Kathy” A. Potter in 1969. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter Mary in 1970 and David in 1973. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in September 2021. He is survived by his wife Kathy, their children, Mary Williams (Kevin Williams), David Morrison (Kimberly Morrison), their seven grandchildren, Taylor, Madison, Eileen, Hunter, Christina, Brian, and Valerie, his sister Dorothy A. Grant,(Ronald Grant), nieces Dawn, Beth, Susan, Katie, Tracey, and his loyal service dog Blue. Let it be noted that Blue never left his side and was there to comfort Joe in his final hours. He is preceded in death by his mother Cecelia Greer Hitchins, his brother William Morrison, and sister Nancy Thompson. Celebration of life to include visitation March 17, 2022 from 4-7pm at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold, NJ 07728. Mass of Christian Burial will be held March 18, 2022 at 10:30am at St. Rose of Lima, 16 McLean St, Freehold, NJ 07728 followed by an outside service at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Richardson Engine No. 2, 49 W. Main Street, Freehold, NJ 07728 or AUSA Monmouth Chapter Service Dog Program, P.O. Box 497, Eatontown, NJ 07724. Joe was cared for by many providers over his long illness. The family is eternally grateful for the care specifically provided by Dr. M. Byrnes, Dr. F. Arlinghaus, Hana Baron, APRN, and Ida Dionaldo, RN. They are also extremely grateful for the friendship and camaraderie of his combat brother Maurice Wilkins over the past 10 years.