Dr. E. Morse, Jr.

Dr. Joseph E. Morse, Jr., 82, of Sun City, Arizona died peacefully on January 28, 2015 after a brief illness in Arizona. Born in Belmont, Massachusetts, he is preceded in death by his mother and father, Irene Smith and Joseph E. Morse. He is survived by his children, Judith Morse Rood, Jennifer Morse, Jay Morse and Joy Morse, his grandchildren, Devon and Brian Rood, Anthony Morse, Chelsea, Travis, and Austin Morse, and Jake Morse. He is also survived by his step-grandson, Erick Rood and his first great grandchild, Jack, his brother, Bruce and wife Carol Morse of Belmont, Massachusetts, and his wonderful friend and companion until the very end, Betty Grantham. After graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Waltham, Massachusetts in 1950, he served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He then attended Boston University receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1959 and his master’s degree in 1962. Dad enjoyed a life-long career in education, first as a teacher, then as an administrator. With his adventurous spirit and desire to leave the snow storms of Massachusetts behind, dad took his family to American Samoa where he worked in their innovative educational program using televisions to teach in remote classrooms. In 1972 he brought his family to Arizona to sit on the other side of the school desk and pursue his PhD. He received his doctorate degree from ASU in 1980. The majority of his career was spent as an administrator for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Perryville facility. He never got tired of the reaction he received when he told people that he “went to prison.” Even after he retired he continued working in the field of education, administering GED tests throughout Arizona. Not one to sit still, Dad enjoyed golfing, scuba diving, playing bridge as well many other card games. He was an avid dancer and loved being a DJ for dances, weddings and parties, His dry sense of humor and never ending supply of “bad” jokes left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a great dad, grandfather and friend – a true gentleman who will be terribly missed by all of us. A visitation will be held on Monday February 2, 2015 4pm to 6pm at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 North 103rd Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85351. A funeral mass will be held at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 15800 North Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, AZ 85351 on Tuesday February 3, 2015 at 10am with an interment to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024. In lieu of flowers, Dad asked that you make a contribution to St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church.