Richard “Moose” Morris
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of former employee Richard Francis “Moose” Morris on November 6, 2023. He was 62.
Richard was born to Marilyn (Scannell) Morris and James F. Morris (deceased) on March 12, 1962. He was the 8th child of nine.
Richard was a proud graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy, class of 1983. He began his career at WHOI in 1983 as a temporary relief oiler on the R/V Atlantis II. He was promoted several times throughout his career and eventually was the Relief Chief Engineer on both the R/V Knorr (1992) and R/V Oceanus (1994). He retired in 2009. During his 26 years at WHOI, he made wonderful friendships and traveled the world throughout the years. Richard spent the last 10 years of his career at Entergy/Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.
Richard loved keeping active whether on the golf course, in the hockey rink, or taking his best pal, Marley, for a walk on the beach. Richard’s skills on the golf course and hockey rink were only surpassed by the acerbic one-liners he threw at his golf partners, fellow hockey players, family, and friends. He enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, and cheering on his favorite team, the Boston Bruins. Richard was a man of few words, but the few he spoke, often zingers, were memorable and elicited laughter. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.
Richard was the beloved husband of Paula, devoted father of Patrick and Paige, as well as a caring brother, cherished son, and a faithful friend. He prioritized the well-being and happiness of his family, above all else. Richard was the youngest brother to James and his wife Janis (Rose); Janet and her husband Ralph “Rusty” Garber; Robe
rt and his wife Nancy (De Franco); Mary and her husband John Dooley; Marilyn and her husband Carl Meyer; Barbara and her husband James Hall; Amy Morris Strong, as well as the late Paul Morris, who is survived by his wife Deborah (Gans). In 2006 Deborah married Robert Hannon, another loved addition to the Morris family. Richard was the son-in-law of Benjamin F. Murphy and Dawn Murphy (deceased) and Mary Ann (Binsfield) Murphy; brother-in-law of Lee Anne Beausang and her husband Jay; and Ted Murphy and his wife Michelle. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Both Richard and Paula truly appreciated Richard’s team of doctors, nurses, and all the staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, all of whom they found to be compassionate, knowledgeable, and supportive. The VNA of Cape Cod Hospice were a wonderful support as well.
A wake will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 4-7 p.m., at Chapman Funerals and Cremations 74 Algonquin Avenue (Route 151), Mashpee, Mass. A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Parish, 5 Job’s Fishing Road, Mashpee on Thursday November 16, 2023, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Richard’s honor.
Information for this obituary is from the Chapman Funeral Home website