Dr. Joseph Ryan Morrissy

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Joseph Ryan Morrissy, formerly of London, Ontario, in Ottawa, Ontario, on November 7, 2025.

Dr. Morrissy was born in Liverpool, England, on February 17, 1937, to Dr. John Morrissy and Mary (née Kearney) Morrissy. Joe was the eldest of six children, Mary, Sheila, Patricia (Walter), John (Maureen), and Donal (Noreen). Joe married the love of his life, Valerie Jean (née Wilkinson), on July 3, 1965, and this past summer they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, Joe and Val raised four children: Bridget Morrissy Miko (James Miko), V. Louise Aubrey (Roland Aubrey), Christopher Morrissy, and Damian Morrissy; and were blessed with 12 grandchildren: Noah Miko, Caleb Miko, Lauren Aubrey, Benjamin Aubrey, Regan Aubrey, Hilary Aubrey, Simon Aubrey, Declan Morrissy, Maeve Morrissy, Rowan McKerihen (Adam), Levi Morrissy, and Isabella Morrissy.

Joe studied at University College Cork in Ireland and graduated from Sheffield University’s School of Medicine in 1964 and began his career as a family physician. In 1969 Joe and Val emigrated to St. Catharines, Ontario where Joe practiced for several years. In 1973 Joe became a partner at St. Joseph's Family Medical Centre in London, Ontario and a Professor of Family Medicine at Western University. Joe remained a family physician, a Full Professor and member of the teaching staff at St. Joseph’s Health Center and a Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada until his retirement in 2000. Throughout his many decades of service, he was regarded with profound respect by colleagues, staff, patients, and students alike.

Joe was a man of deep faith and a longtime and active member of St. Peter's Basilica and St. John the Divine Parishes in London. He was an avid sailor, golfer, tennis player, cricket player, and rugby player. But his favourite sport of all was cheering on his cherished football team, the Liverpool Football Club, a joy that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Joe was a voracious reader and loved listening to music from classical to opera to Irish folk songs. He was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage and loved discussing Irish and British history with friends and family alike. However, nothing made Poppa happier than being surrounded by his beautiful, intelligent, and talented grandchildren. He spent his retirement years travelling to see them in Canada, the US, and around the world.

Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Val; his sister, Mary, and brother, John; his children, Bridget, Louise, Chris, and Damian; his sons-in-law; his grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends both near and far.

Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean on Thursday, November 27, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Basilica, 220 Kent Street, Ottawa. A luncheon reception will follow immediately in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to The Boys and Girls Club of Canada or the St. Joe’s Cafe soup kitchen of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada  in London.