Tom Morrissey, beloved husband, father, friend, and of course professor, thought of all of you fondly and treasured everyone close to him. Most of all, he would want us to celebrate and to be happy that he got to be part of our lives. Please leave memories, thoughts, photos, or remembrances and we can all smile a bit as we share. The twinkle in his eye was saved for just such an occasion. Here is his story:
On January 5th Thomas F. "Tom", Morrissey of Fountain Hills AZ. departed from this world, embarking now on another journey.
Born in Bronxville, N.Y. on June 24th,1933, he grew up in Babylon, N.Y. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1955. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Maryland in 1960. Tom was awarded both a Masters degree in 1967 and a PhD. from Syracuse University in 1970.
His first job, at age 12 was working on the back of a milk truck. After that he helped train polo ponies and moved onto commercial fishing. Work got successively more interesting as he was employed in the electronics industry, working in Europe for Curtiss-Wright Corporation, in computer design and manufacturing for UNIVAC Corporation, and for Utronics Inc. where he was one of the principal owners.
Most of his adult life was spent in his academic career. He joined Case Western Reserve University in 1970, rose to full professor at the Weatherhead School of Management, and upon retirement in 2005, was appointed Professor Emeritus. He was a visiting professor at Bond University, Australia and The University of Georgia.
His curiosity led him to play both sides of the game, serving as professor and dean, as author and editor and as an academic and as a businessman. He loved the intellectual pursuit, but was equally at home as a consultant to corporations and government organizations.
He was affiliated with the National School of Banking for over 30 years, served on several corporate boards of directors and served as a director for the Victory Fund mutual fund complexes. Whatever his imprint, Tom will certainly be remembered for his sly wit and affection for a humorous story.
His greatest affection was for his family and friends. In addition to his wife of 60 years, MaryEllen, he is survived by his two children, Kristin and Scott, both of Scottsdale, AZ, his sister Shevaun Stigers of Chester, Vt. and nieces Dorian, Hillarie, Tracy, nephew Tommy, and their spouses and children.
Each of us will find our own way to say goodbye to this gentle man whose fondest vocation was to be a fine husband, father, brother colleague and friend. Your prayers, shared memories, and good thoughts are the family's requested memorials.