Clayton C. Morrissey Obituary

Clayton C. Morrissey, 88, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth M. (Kennedy) Morrissey, with whom he shared 60 cherished years of marriage.

Born and raised in Gloucester, Clayt was a true product of this tight-knit community, shaped by its strong work ethic and deep-rooted ties. Clayton was the namesake of Captain Clayt Morrissey, the legendary schooner captain who fished out of Gloucester, a legacy that reflected his own connection to the sea and the town's storied maritime heritage. As a boy, he roamed the neighborhoods with his loyal "gang" of friends, playing football with little more than a makeshift ball and boundless enthusiasm. That drive carried him to Gloucester High School, where he lived out his dream as quarterback and linebacker on the football field and shone on the baseball diamond at first base, a position his father taught him. After graduating, Clayt briefly attended UMass to play football, but formal schooling wasn't his path. Instead, he joined the Army in 1955, volunteering for the paratroopers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, before being stationed in Germany, where his sense of adventure and duty deepened.

Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth, and embraced the Gloucester Way—building a family and a life of service. Ruth held his heart completely, their rare, profound love preserved in a crate of hundreds of letters he wrote from Germany, a treasure his daughter Ann holds dear. Clayt was always there for his parents, younger brother Rob and sisters. After Rob's death, Clayt was ever present in the lives of Rob's children and grandchildren, including traveling great distances to cheer them on in sporting events.

After a back injury ended his construction work in Boston, Clayt found his passion as a Gloucester police officer. Serving others came naturally to him. Early in his career, he'd slip coins into parking meters for fishermen. Other acts, such as reviving a drowned man with CPR or rescuing a family from a fire, Clayt said was simply "satisfying work".

Coaching—both in athletics and in life—was in Clayt's blood. He once told his daughter Ann he dreamed of becoming a professional coach, a passion that was evident in his life's work. On the field, he poured his heart into coaching youth football teams, Junior League baseball for the American Legion, and his daughter's softball squads. He was beloved by his players for his steady hand and encouraging presence. Clayt inspired those he coached with a quiet, powerful gift.

His pride shone brightly as he watched his grandchildren—Johnny, Will, and Ben—play hockey and sail, always their biggest fan, from the sidelines to the shore. He was just as devoted in cheering on his granddaughters, Erika and Sarah, as they pursued their love of horses in equestrian sports, and later, as he watched his great-granddaughter Madison light up the stage during her dance recitals. Though a legend in his community—a man of courage, kindness, and quiet heroism—he remained humble to the end, insisting he was just a regular guy.

Clayt is survived by his daughter Ann of Gloucester, her husband John, and their children Johnny, Will, and Ben; as well as by the children of his late daughter Allison — Erika, Sarah, and David Witham — and his great-granddaughter Madison, daughter of Sarah. He is also survived by his sisters Mary LeBarron and her husband Roger, Penney Huggins and her husband Lee, and Marcia Mullen; his sister-in-law Sylvia "Sis" Morrissey, wife of his late brother Rob; his favorite cousin, Tracy Healey-Beattie; numerous nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives he touched deeply.

In addition to his beloved wife Ruth, Clayt was predeceased by his parents, his daughter Allison, his brother Rob, and many lifelong friends from his childhood crew, golf group, and fellow police officers.

Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clayton's memory to the Open Door Food Pantry, 28 Emerson Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930.