December 7, 2011       

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  John W. Morrison, 87, of 242 Thompson Blvd., president and chairman of the board of directors of Morrison's Furniture Store, 230 Factory St., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Samaritan Medical Center. 

The funeral will be noon Saturday, Dec. 10, at Reed & Benoit Funeral Home with Rev. Jeffrey Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Calling hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the funeral home.  

He was born April 15, 1924, in Watertown, a son of Joseph Jasper and Marguerite Pertinia Seery Morrison.  

Following his graduation from Watertown High School, John joined the Navy, serving as a Gunner's Mate Third Class from 1942 until his honorable discharge on November 17, 1945. 

John married Arlene Sawyer on Oct. 10, 1959.  

A previous marriage to Frances Robideau ended in divorce. 

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, John returned to Watertown to work for his father as assistant secretary to The Morrison Furniture Store, Inc.  The store, in his family for four generations, is one of the oldest of the downtown businesses in Watertown. In August 1985, he took over as president of the business from his brother, Patrick. He operated the store until 2009 when his son, David, was elected president.   

In his spare time, Mr. Morrison had many creative hobbies that included designing and building rockets, airplanes, ships and boats. He even formed a rocket club to share his knowledge with area children and students.  

His is a legacy of kindness, generosity and love. His life was focused on building his business and caring for his family. 

Mr. Morrison was a member of the American Legion Post 61. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by his children: John Joseph Morrison, W. Palm Beach, Fla., Cheryl (Donald) Pastor, Adams Center, Michelle (Charles "Bob") Clifton, Watertown, David A. Morrison, Watertown, and Dyanna A. Morrison, Providence, R.I.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.   

His brother and business partner, Patrick J. Morrison, passed away Nov. 26, 1988. 

The Morrison family extends their heartfelt thank you to Tonya (Rhonda) Ryan, Carthage, Patty Derosier, Watertown, and Cory Gifford, Watertown. For the last two years they've been John's Angels, and will forever be considered to be part of the family.  He loved the three of you. 

Contributions may be made to the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, 380 Gaffney D., P.O. Box 41, Watertown, NY 13601, or Guilfoyle Ambulance Services, 438 Newell St., Watertown, NY 13601. 

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com. 








Information provided by Reed & Benoit Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.