Robert E. MORGANSON

MORGANSON, Robert E. Robert E. "Morgy" Morganson, 61, a resident of Ellington for most of his life, the devoted husband and best friend of 17 years to Ellen Morganson, died peacefully late Friday evening, (March 18, 2011) at Evergreen Health Care Center in Stafford Springs, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Stafford Springs a son of the late Frank and Edna (Parker) Morganson and was a graduate of Ellington High School and enlisted with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era from which he received his honorable discharge four years later in 1972 as a Sergeant. Returning to civilian life, Bob was employed for many years at the former Mahr Freight Lines Company of South Windsor and more recently retired after 21 years with the Public Works Department of Ellington. After his retirement from the Town of Ellington, Bob worked seasonally manicuring and mowing the golf course at Rolling Meadows Country Club in Ellington. He was a highly respected and loved 35-year member of the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department where for years he proudly carried the American Flag at the annual Fireman's Carnival Parade along with being the "gatekeeper of the beer garden". Morgy, also was an avid collector of Budweiser Steins, NASCAR and Red Sox fan, and relaxed occasionally while watching a vintage western movie. He was an easy going guy who loved his four feline companions and recently mourned the loss of his beloved Snaggy. Some of his other favorite pastimes included watching the antics of the birds and squirrels at play in his backyard, cruise vacations and always looked forward to making plans for the next pilgrimage to Las Vegas. The past four years were a long and difficult journey for Bob, and although his passing has caused us grief, it also has erased his pain and given him relief and peace. We ask that you remember him as he was in life, kind with an extraordinarily gentle heart, and his warm smile. He always found the time or made a concerted effort to call his family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who might be ill or just needing an uplifting conversation to lift their spirits or just a simple hello. His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. John Polio at St. Francis Hospital, the wonderful and caring staff at Evergreen Health Care Center and a special thanks to Missy. Besides his devoted wife he leaves two daughters, Melissa Morganson and Mark Ratti of Stafford and Melanie Morganson of Vernon; four brothers, Duwayne of Windsor Locks, Leonard of Moosup, Ronald and his wife Dawn of Ellington and Gary and his wife Pat of Coventry; three sisters, Linda Ellis of South Windsor, Patty Leach and her husband Ronald of Ellington and Marion Wilkinson and Bob Sokolowski of East Granby; three grandchildren, Natalie, Daniella and Nathan; a special brother-in-law, Frank Muzikevik and sister-in-law, Charlene McGuire both of Bolton. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard, his sister-in-law, Pat Morganson and a nephew Thomas Connor. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, March 23rd from 4-8 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Rd., (Route 83) in Vernon. His funeral and burial will be private and at the families convenience. Instead of flowers contributions in his memory may be directed to the Recreation Fund at Evergreen Health Care Center, 205 Chestnut Hill Rd., Stafford Springs, CT 06076 or to the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department, 29 Main St., Ellington, CT 06029. For online condolences and guest book, please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com