Richard E. Morris Jr. Obituary
Richard E. Morris, Jr better known as "Rocky" of Gloucester, husband of Paula Morris, passed away just one day after his 72nd birthday on September 16, 2023 after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
Rocky was born to the late Richard E. Morris and Charlotte (Burgess) Morris on September 15, 1951, in Gloucester. He grew up in Gloucester, graduating Gloucester High School class of 1970. Rocky held various jobs in his younger years from Malens Gas Station, Gortons Seafoods as a driver, Greely Funeral Home, Andrews Plumbing, as well as a junior Civil Defense Firefighter for the City of Gloucester. Rocky was always known for his cars. Most known for his W31 Oldsmobile that he would race with his friends Barry McKay and Kenny Rose up 128, Rocky loved his cars. Rocky's dream came true following his father's footsteps in 1973 when he became a full time Firefighter for the City of Gloucester Fire Department where, he proudly and selflessly served for over 31 years until his retirement in 2004 at the rank of EMS Coordinator. To say Rocky was a devoted firefighter is an understatement. He worked most of his tenure on the Rescue Squad, being there for the sick and injured providing them compassion in their time of need. He never second guessed running into a burning building and received Citations from the City for helping save many lives over his years. Quite possibly the shining moment of his career is when he was able to work alongside his father at the East Gloucester Fire Station where they were partners for some time. In 1984 Rocky founded Beauport Ambulance Service, Inc out of his house on Eastern Avenue in Gloucester. He founded Beauport on the principle of providing compassionate service to the Cape Ann Area. Rocky treated not only the Community with compassion, but also his employees who he treated like family. Rocky pioneered EMS on the North Shore area, providing cutting edge technology for it's time. Upon retirement from the Gloucester Fire Department in 2004, Rocky moved to Arizona where he worked for different Air Medical Transport companies. Rocky returned "home" in 2017 to help take care of his mother and began working for the renewed Beauport Ambulance under his son's ownership. In addition to his professional career, Rocky took great pride in being a self-made handy man, always being able to fix anything on his own, his pride and joy dogs over the years who he adored, but more so his family. There was always the ritual "Sunday Night Pizza Nights" with his family, every weekend spending time with his parents, wife and kids. Rocky enjoyed traveling with his wife Paula, spending time with his daughter Bethany on her many trips out to Arizona, spending time with his son John on his many trips back "home" and having a good old Marias Pizza, and more recently spending time with his 2 grandchildren Mila and Maverick who he adored beyond words can describe.
Rocky is survived by his wife of 26 years Paula, his daughter Bethany Morris and her Fiance Nicholas Lombardi, his son John Morris and wife Jenna, his grandchildren Mila and Maverick Morris, and his sister Cynthia Ribeiro and husband David. He is also survived by his nephews Dean Ribeiro and David Ribeiro, several cousins, his stepsons James Clougherty and Chris Clougherty and his 2 dogs Princessa and Finley. A special thank you to his dear friend Mark Foote who was there for Rocky during his final time with us.
Visiting hours will be held in Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Thursday, September 21, from 4-7p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 26, at 1p.m. in Beech Grove Cemetery, Rockport. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rocky's memory to either the Gloucester Firefighters Relief Association or CapeAnn Animal Aid.
