Joseph Morra

Joseph Morra Jr Obituary



Joseph Morra Jr reached his expiration date on this earth on November 14, 2022 - dying the way he lived, by doing it his way. He and his ways - especially his humor - will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family. Joe was born to the late Joseph and Anna Morra in Bristol, Rhode Island on June 3, 1935 beginning a series of fabulous adventures that comprised his eighty-seven and a half years. Growing up in an Italian enclave in Bristol, Joe was raised by an abundant family, good food, and more than a few goat head butts (which possibly explains some of his quirks and idiosyncrasies). As the eldest in his family he worked hard to be a bad example for his sisters, Theresa Francis and Rose Morra, whom he tolerated as a child but grew to truly love and value as the years went on. Childhood mischief turned into teenage antics including building his own boats (that actually floated!), nighttime adventures in the bay, teaching a friend's parrot to swear, and fooling his mother into believing he ate her prized parakeet's eggs. Perhaps as a consequence of being raised during the depression, Joe was a lifetime hoarder. Canned goods were endlessly bought, stacked and treasured. "Use-by" dates meant absolutely nothing to Joe. Why have one glue gun when you could have dozens? But everything purchased had to be on sale, because let's just say it, Joe was cheap and he could not pass up a bargain.



As a kid, Joe was employed by the local bakery to help with deliveries - loading sweets, dashing up several flights of stairs with the orders, and indulging in unlimited free samples! He went on to work as a quahogger, engineer, house painter, outreach worker, school bus driver, EMT, deputy sheriff, and nurse.



Joe embarked on a major adventure with Ginny Morra by having six children - all of whom he is survived by: Deborah Lemus, Sandra Chadbourne, James Morra, Barbara Basford, Joe Morra and Jana Morra. There were no shortage of exploits provided in the upbringing of this crew: incredibly orchestrated camping trips; hiking in waist deep snow; cross country skiing as a family of 8 all in a line; igloo building; sailing, buying a farmhouse in Maine complete with horses, chickens and for one week a cow that he never could milk (ouch!); and there was that metallic green hearse. Joe taught his family that it was okay to put yourself first. He was unapologetic about doing his own thing - even if that thing was building a helicopter in your living room (because that seems normal, right?).



In his later years, Joe's adventures took him on at least many major trips around the globe including to Russia, China, Europe, Greece, Hawaii and more. But now Joe Morra Jr, flamingo tchotchke collector and cheesecake enthusiast, is on his last great adventure - sure to be replete with the shenanigans he was known for. If only he could let us know what impish tricks he is up to now.