Philip Morrissey M.D.

Philip Morrissey, MD
1934 - 2024
Philip Morrissey was a fifth generation Californian with his second great grandfather arriving in San Francisco in 1849, prior to California becoming the 31st state in the Union. Philip's devotion to his Catholic faith, family, country, and San Francisco defined his life.
Philip passed peacefully on October 9, 2024, thirty days after celebrating his ninetieth birthday while residing at Kensington Place in Redwood City. A native San Franciscan, Phil attended St. Vincent de Paul School then St. Ignatius High School, graduating in 1952. As a pre-med student, he attended the University of San Francisco and graduated from the University of California Medical School in 1957. Following graduation from UC, he did his residency at San Joaquin General Hospital as a Surgical Otolaryngologist. In 1958, he married Clara Mossi who remained the true love of his life until her passing in November 2019. Never had a day gone by in their sixty-one-year marriage that they did not express their love for each other. Phil knew his Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis was terminal and spoke about reuniting with Clara as he believed beyond what his eyes could see that signs from heaven reminded him their love would never die.
Phil's devotion to his country encouraged him to earn the rank of Captain in the Army. Phil served as a physician in the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal.
Phil and Clara traveled the world together and made it a point to visit as many churches and museums as they could fit into their itineraries. In addition, Phil was an outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing tennis. When Clara and the extended family could join, it brought Phil greater joy.
Professionally, Phil practiced medicine at his Ocean Avenue and Hayes Street offices. He never charged a patient who could not pay, especially a priest, nun or religious person. Phil was well known in the Archdiocese of San Francisco for his kind heart, generosity and exceptional care. Dr. Morrissey was honored to be the Chief of Staff at St. Mary's Hospital (now UCSF Health St. Mary's Hospital) on Stanyan Street where he was able to make the short walk from his Hayes Street practice. Phil's father, Dr. Edmund John Morrissey (1896-1986), was a neurosurgeon and the longest-serving Chief of Staff at St. Mary's Hospital inspired his son on many levels. Phil was also the President of Mission National Bank.
Phil was a dedicated member of St Brendan's Catholic Church and was blessed to have his brother-in-law Fr. John Mossi, SJ celebrate the Sacraments frequently up until the time of his passing.
Phil's (UP or Uncle) legacy will endure with his many nieces and nephews as his memory is clear and present in how they each live. Each is wrapped in the blessing of having had Uncle Phil as an amazing, humble, mild-mannered, intelligent, role model in their lives.
All are invited to attend a Funeral Mass on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Brendan Church, 29 Rockaway Ave, San Francisco. In the memory of Philip Morrissey thank you for considering a donation to a charity of your choosing, which will improve the life of another person.