Joseph Morrison

Joseph M. Morrison, 51 years, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2017 at Summa Care in Barberton, Ohio. Born January 30, 1966 to Veronica (deceased) and James Morrison, Joe lived his entire life in Akron, Ohio. A beloved father, son, brother and friend to many, Joe lived his life with a fierce passion. Fierce perhaps was an understatement. His greatest loves included his children, his fiancé Brenda, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, coaching football, and his continuous support of his children's sport schedules. Joe also enjoyed fishing, but we're not sure he ever caught anything. He was a man who loved his children to no end. They were the world to him. The love he felt for them was overwhelming and he believed that if he didn't have his kids, he wouldn't exist. His world revolved around them; every minute and second, no matter what was going on in life, they were always in his heart and on his mind. More than anything in the world, he wanted them to achieve above and beyond what he himself achieved. Joe would go to no lengths to protect his children. It wasn't just his kids that he would extend his love to but also his Fiancé's children, Molly Young and Michael 'Mikey' Keener, as well as her grandson, Ryan Young, as if they were his own. Ryan loved 'Joe-Joe' and would always have to do exactly what Joe was doing. Family was very important to Joe. He would talk about how much he loved his dad and wanted his dad to be proud of him. Joe was so proud to have his father with him when he was inducted into Benedictine College Hall of Fame. He loved his step-mom, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, as well as other family members. Joe always kept everyone close to his heart and in his thoughts. More than anything, he missed his mom, from his loss of her at a young age until the day he went home to join her in Heaven. Joe loved his closest friends who have always had his back no matter what. He always carried all of you close to his heart. Thank you for always being there for him. Joe had so many good people in his life there are just too many to name, but you know who you are. Joe was passionate about football and loved all his players from the East Dragons, the Hoban Knights, the All Stars and Diamond. He always wanted them to succeed and move onto greater things. He would go above and beyond to make sure each of them, both together and individually, had that chance. Being a coach was one of his life-long dreams that became a reality. Joe graduated from Benedictine College in 1988. He was inducted into the Raven Hall of Fame in 2015, moment that was shared with his dad at the induction ceremony held in Atchison, Kansas. The stories he told about himself and his close football buddies; like Pete, Larry, Earl and so many others were hysterical to hear. He loved you all so dearly. Joe was a social worker for SCCS for 29 years. His love for kids showed in the work he did. He was an advocate and had the gift of speaking for them. He was also an advocate for the children in the Independent Living Program. He not only spoke up for them but also made sure each child's needs were met. Joe was the voice for many children. He would go to any lengths to make sure they were cared for. Joe especially cherished his SCCS friends especially Joe St. Jean who was always there for him through thick and thin, and thought nothing of giving him his hockey tickets; Robin Schenault who he believed always had his back; Kim Jones who was like a mother to him; Chyenne Boyd who was like a sister to him; and 'JP' who would not just listen to him but actually heard him. Joe was preceded in death by his adored mother, Veronica and Special Aunt Catherine Williams, maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his dad, Jim (Joanne); brothers, Jim, Tim (Susan), Michael and sister, Angela (Doug), Adoring Cousin Patrick Williams (Kari); his children, Joseph, Marianne, and Caroline; fiancé, Brenda and her two children, Molly and Michael; Aunt Valerie Collins; nieces and nephews Rosie, Owen, Audrey, and Quintin Morrison, Maya and Emmie Morrison, Ronnie, Mallory and Alex Meinen; step-brother, Evan Callahan and step-sister, Kate Callahan Richardson and numerous cousins. Calling hours will be 5-8 pm Monday, Aug. 7, 5-8pm at Hummel Funeral Home. 500 E. Exchange St. Akron, Ohio 44304. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10: 00 Tuesday at Visitation of Mary (Annunciation) 55 Broad St. Akron, Ohio 44305, burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flower, memorials may be sent in Joe's name to East PeeWee Association or a charity of your choice May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again... May you be held in the palm of God's hand.