Robert Leroy Morrissey

COLONEL ROBERT LEROY MORRISSEY, PH.D., D.V.M., UNITED STATES ARMY (RETIRED)

Colonel Robert Leroy Morrissey, Ph.D., D.V.M., United States Army (Retired), passed away at home in North Port, Florida, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by family.

Dr. Morrissey was born on December 17, 1939, in Hillsdale, Illinois, to Michael William Morrissey and Mary Elizabeth Morrissey. He was one of sixteen children. He graduated from Erie High School in Erie, Illinois, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and later earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from Cornell University.

On November 27, 1959, he married Reta Jean Morrissey. They shared more than sixty-six years of marriage.

Dr. Morrissey served for more than twenty years in the United States Army Veterinary Corps, including both active-duty and Reserve service. He retired as a Colonel. Following his military service, Dr. Morrissey continued his career as a research pathologist.

While attending Cornell University in his mid-twenties, Robert trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, a decision that forever shaped the course of his life. Though he rose from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable academic, military, and professional success, he remained a man of genuine humility who lived well below his means. He measured success not by titles or possessions, but by faithfulness to God, love for his family, and service to others. His quiet generosity, steadfast integrity, and Christlike spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Robert faithfully led his family by example, making it his priority to keep them in church and provide every opportunity for them to grow in a Christian home. His love for the Lord was evident not only in what he believed but in how he lived. Desiring to serve wherever he was needed, he even obtained a commercial driver's license for the sole purpose of driving a church bus, faithfully bringing children to church for many years at several churches. More than anything, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant of Christ, and a man whose life consistently pointed others to the Savior he loved.

He was a member of Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City, Florida.

Dr. Morrissey is survived by his wife, Reta Jean Morrissey; his son, Todd Morrissey and his wife, Lisa; his daughter, Robin Robideau and her husband, James Robideau; his son, David Morrissey and his wife, Dawn; and his son, James Morrissey and his wife, Jennifer. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, his fifteen brothers and sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael William Morrissey and Mary Elizabeth Morrissey, and by his great-grandson, Ryan Porter.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City, Florida.