John D. Morris

John Morris passed away on July 13th surrounded by his family following a brief battle with cancer.

John was born in Gloucester, MA in 1937 and spent is youth on Eastern Point with his parents, three brothers and sister where he created wonderful memories. Following his graduation from Gloucester High School, John enlisted in the US Army and was stationed near Ruckingen, Germany, where he met the love of his life, Annemarie (Fuchs) Morris. They were married in Germany and their enduring love for each other was celebrated with their 60th wedding anniversary last year.

John had a three-decade career as member of the engineering team at AVCO Research/Textron where he worked on a number of projects for the Departments of Energy and Defense.

John spent much of his adult life in Newburyport and Newbury where he and Annemarie raised their family.  John had a love of nature and wildlife. This passion led him to partnering with Essex County Greenbelt to create the Hans Morris Reservation in Newbury, a 25-acre meadow and woodland, from a property he owned. He also enjoyed spending many afternoons walking at the Plum Island wildlife refuge, observing birds and appreciating the natural beauty of the dunes and seashore. John was passionate about the ocean and spent many years fishing for bluefin tuna between Maine and Cape Cod aboard his charter boat the Evelyn-R. He equally enjoyed observing all forms of sea life including whales, dolphins, seals and sunfish.

John made the greatest impression on his children and grandchildren.  In addition to instilling a love for the outdoors and nature, he impressed upon them the importance of education, ethics, integrity and hard work.  John was always proactively helping with tasks to aid his family, from being the Morris family handyman to shuttling grandchildren to sporting events. He was also a skilled carpenter and led the hands-on construction and renovation of family homes in Newbury and Newburyport. John could build or fix anything. He was also always available for a conversation and to provide thoughtful advice.  He would take the time to become fully invested with finding ways to solve any family issue. He was a guiding light for us all.

John leaves behind his wife, Annemarie, and sons Michael and John and their spouses Jennifer Wright and Michelle Morris as well as his grandchildren Michael Hans Morris, John Morris and William Morris. He was predeceased by his parents William and Jesse (Hay) Morris, his sister Gilberta Morrison and leaves behind his brothers William (Bud) Morris of Juneau, AK, Norman Morris, Sammamish, WA and James Morris of Gloucester, MA and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s honor to Essex County Greenbelt, (www.ecga.org/donate).

Calling hours will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday, July 21st at Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High St., Newburyport.  THERE IS NO LONGER ANY PARKING AVAILABLE BEHIND THE FUNERAL HOME PER ORDER OF THE CITY OF NEWBURYPORT. A celebration of life will be held at a later date due to complications with Covid 19`. Burial will be private.

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