William Morrissey

05/30/1953 - 02/12/2026

William Thomas Morrissey III, better known as Bill, Popi and Pops to those who knew him best, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years Mary Zoellner Morrissey, his three children Colleen (& James Holmes), Amy (& Jay Eldridge) and William Morrissey IV (& Binh Ha), as well as his four beloved grandchildren Lucy Holmes, Forest Holmes, Avi Morrissey, and William Morrissey V. He is survived by his two sisters Mimi Burpee and Pat Morrissey, along with many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents William Morrissey Jr. and Helen (Dutmers) Morrissey, his wife's parents Thomas and Dorothy Zoellner, and his brother-in-law Bob Burpee. He was 72 years old.
More than just a husband, father and grandparent, Bill was a dear friend, a powerful mentor, and an inspiring role model to so many beyond his immediate family. He exuded positive energy, treating all those around him with compassion, respect, and empathy. Incredibly generous, supportive, and selfless, Bill was always the first to offer a helping hand, an insightful piece of advice, or simply the gift of being present when it mattered most. He loved watching and supporting his kids and grandkids in everything they did, often announcing his presence with an unmistakable whistle. His playful sense of humor could put a smile on anyone's face, and his distinct, booming laugh could be heard from several miles away. A sound that will be sorely missed.
A Grand Rapids native, Bill graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1971 and from Michigan State University in 1975, where he also played the French horn & the Alto horn in the Michigan State Marching Band. He traveled the world extensively for business with Brunswick & Bishop Distributing, as well as for pleasure with his family and friends. He enjoyed hiking the country's many national parks with his wife Mary, and spending his summer days at the family cottage swimming with his loved ones in Lake Michigan. Family was everything to Bill. He lived life to the fullest, and the immense magnitude of his impact will continue to resonate deeply in the lives of those he touched - far into the future.
Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, February 15th, 2026 from 4-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday February 16th, 2026 at 10:30am with visitation one hour prior (9:30am) located at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Red Glasses Movement (https://redglassesmovement.org/) or Catholic Charities West Michigan (https://ccwestmi.org/)