Ernest Ramon Morrison, affectionately known as Ernie, passed away peacefully at his home in Somerville, Massachusetts, on October 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 19, 1938, in Summerville, West Virginia, to Lizzie and Anthony Morrison, Ernie was the tenth of eleven children. He cherished his childhood memories of hunting and fishing with his brothers on Lone Mountain.
After graduating, Ernie served his country as a United States Navy veteran, spending six years aboard the USS Wasp and the USS Kitty Hawk. His naval service instilled in him a deep sense of duty and respect.
Following his military service, Ernie embarked on a career at Colonial Provision before joining MIT as a Gardener, where he worked for nearly 20 years. He took great pride in his work, finding joy in tending to the landscapes that many admired.
Ernie's greatest joy was his 64-year marriage to his soulmate, Mary Christina (Nardella). Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter, setting an example of devotion and family values for future generations.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Patricia Ann Shaughnessy and her husband John, Philip Anthony Morrison and his wife Nadia, and his foster daughter Donna Marie Kenney and her husband John. He was predeceased by his son, Paul Andrew Morrison. Ernie was a proud grandfather to John Ernest Shaughnessy, Paul Philip Shaughnessy and his wife Joy, Mary Katherine Shaughnessy, Brad Andrew Morrison, Justin Paul Morrison, Christina Mary Morrison, Angela Ann Morrison, and Philip Anthony Morrison Jr. and his wife Krista. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Logan John Shaughnessy, Paisley Joy Shaughnessy, and Antonio Morrison.
A wake will be held on Thursday, November 6th, at the George L. Doherty Funeral Service, Inc., 855 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will follow on Friday, November 7th, at 11:00 AM at George Doherty Funeral Home, with burial at St. Paul Cemetery in Arlington, Massachusetts.
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