John M. Morriss

John Michael Morriss, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle passed away suddenly at age 88 on Thursday, August 14, 2025.  An extraordinary, good-natured man deeply devoted to his family, John will be terribly missed.

Born June 5, 1937 in New York City to Michael and Catherine McCarthy Morriss, from Kenmare and Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.  John was the loving brother of Kathleen Morriss Brassil.

A graduate of Regis High School in New York City andFordham University, John majored in French, beginning a lifelong interest in French language, culture, and history.  He was awarded a Fulbright Grant and a French Government Assistantship, teaching English and American culture at the Cours Complémentaire Favre, a middle school in Toulouse, France. While living abroad, John furthered his studies at the University of Toulouse, earning the Certificat d’ÉtudesFrançaises Supérieures and deepening his connection to the country that captivated him throughout his life.

He was the devoted husband of Judy Mauser Morriss and dedicated father of Michael Morriss, Julienne Morriss Callaway, and John G. Morriss.  John and Judy knew one another for 75 years, growing up one block apart in the Bronx.  They attended the same grammar school, dated throughout high school and college, and were married for 62 years.

John’s career in publishing spanned 43 years and included roles at Sheed and Ward, McGraw-Hill, and Amsco School Publications.  His career included French-English translation, editing, and higher education book publishing roles.

John was a loving grandfather and a role model to seven grandchildren:  Lilly Morriss, Grace Morriss, Michael M. Morriss, James Callaway, Emeline Callaway, Madeleine Callaway, and Clare Morriss. They were his pride and joy.  John was the brother-in-law of Nancy Rush and Warner Rush, and an uncle to their children.  He was a wonderful father-in-law to Jack Callaway and Jackie Morriss.

John was a lifelong advocate of education, especially Catholic and Jesuit institutions.  He was a faithful son of Regis High School, serving for over 70 years in a variety of roles as a Class Representative, Class Correspondent, Alumni Fund Agent, and President of the Alumni Association.  He also championed Villa Maria Academy, Fordham University, and the College of New Rochelle. Honoring his Irish heritage, John was a proud holder of his Irish passport. He was an enthusiastic member of the American Irish Historical Society and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. John also supported the University of Chicago, the Woodrow Wilson National Foundation, and the Fulbright Association. He served the community of Holy Rosary Church in Hawthorne for 55 years as a parishioner, religious instruction teacher, eucharistic minister, and lector.

John was a lifelong New York Yankee fan and a proud supporter of the New York Giants football team, traits he taught his children and grandchildren well. With a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh, John will always be remembered for enthusiastically leading his family in the singing of “New York, New York” at fun family celebrations.  

John and Judy enjoyed traveling together and made memories in Canada, Aruba, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Western Europe,Turkey, Argentina, Egypt, and Israel. In 1994, John combined his love of French language and culture with his friendship with his brother-in-law Warner Rush to join the US Army’s 29thDivision at the 50th Anniversary of D-Day.  John served as the French-English interpreter and Warner as the videographer.  It was a genuine opportunity to meet the heroes who liberated Europe and an unforgettable chapter in their lives.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Judy, his daughter,Julienne Morriss Callaway, and his son, Michael Morriss.  He is survived by his sister Kathleen Brassil, his sister-in-law Nancy Rush, his son John Morriss, his daughter-in-law Jacqueline Morriss, his son-in-law Jack Callaway, as well as his grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, a nephew, and many dear friends.

A wake will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 4-7pm, at Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, 575 Columbus Avenue, Thornwood, NY 10594.  A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Friday, August 21, 2025 at 10am at St. Augustine Church, 381 North Highland Avenue, Ossining NY 10562. Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Regis High School, an institution that continues to transform the lives of young men and create “men for others” in the Jesuit tradition.

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