Joseph Francis Morrison Jr.

December 19, 1943 - May 13, 2025 It's been a good month in heaven. A man who knows a great deal about making toys, friends, and lifelong family ties has just arrived. Joe Morrison, 81, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and husband, left us from his home in Manhattan Beach, CA on May 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Joe was born in Jersey City, N.J. to Margaret and Joseph Francis Morrison, Sr. He grew up in Ridgewood, N.J., graduating from Bergen Catholic High School in 1961 and Villanova University in 1965. Joe then made his way to Madison Avenue, working at several New York ad agencies, then relocating for a product management job at Calgon in Pittsburgh, where he became a rabid Steelers fan. His next move was to Los Angeles in the mid-seventies when the famous Mary Wells asked him to open the West Coast office of Wells, Rich, Greene.
In 1978 he joined Mattel, heading up the Hot Wheels division, then adding the role of Executive VP of Marketing to his responsibilities. It was here that Joe led the team that created the legendary He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line, animated TV series and movie.
In 1989, Joe started his own toy company, Morrison Entertainment Group � now MEG Toys. Monster in My Pocket, Puppy in My Pocket, and Stink Blasters are just a few of the "evergreen" toy brands the company created that continue to delight new crops of kids year after year.
A longtime member of Bel-Air Country Club, Joe served on the board and membership committee, chaired key events, and played at least twice weekly, followed by lively conversations at "The Smart Table" back at the clubhouse.
Known and loved by his family as "Papa Joe," he was the patriarch of his large Irish clan, and cherished the summers he spent with his children and grandkids at the Jersey Shore - a tradition that continued right up through last summer, in spite of his declining health.
Joe is survived by innumerable dear friends and his loving family: Devoted wife of 37 years Barbara Lewis Morrison; children Pia Morrison Delphais (Frank), Joe Morrison III, Jonathan Morrison (Josie), and Maggie Morrison; six grandchildren, Zachary and Matthew Delphais, and Alyssa, Adam, Sean, and Logan Morrison, and sisters Patty Morrison Ahern and Mary Ellen Morrison Williamson; Joe will also be missed by his devoted and mischievous pup Mr. Wilson.
To read more about Joe's amazing life, please visit https://www.holycrossmortuary.com/obituary/joseph-morrison-jr. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, the Richstone Family Center, or the charity of their choice.