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John Morrissey
MORRISSEY John J. Morrissey on Saturday, September 25, 1993 Pt 6:30 a.m. Beloved husband of Rosemary Keating Morrissey. Son of the late Dr. John and Elizabeth Morrissey. Step-brother of Leonard Morrissey of Hanover, Massachusetts. Also survived by several step-nephews. He was a Professor and Head of the Music Department of the College of Arts and Sciences of Tulane University and he was the Band Director of the Tulane University Band. He was a member of the American Society Of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). He was an Executive Officer to the Chief Of the Music Branch of the United States Army during WWII. He was an internationally renowned composer. Age 86 years. A native of New York City, New York, a resident of New Orleans, LA from 1934-1968, of Covington, LA from 1968-1991 and of New Orleans, LA for the past 2 years. Private inurnment will be in Lake Lawn Mausoleum. Lietz-Eagan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Composer, Tulane professor John Morrissey dead at 86
John J. Morrissey, a composer of band music and a retired music professor and band director at Tulane University, died Saturday at Chateau de Notre Dame. He was 86. Mr. Morrissey was born in New York City and moved to New Orleans in 1934. He lived in Covington from 1968 to 1991, -when he moved back to New Orleans. He received his master's degree in music education from Teachers College at Columbia University, where he later taught music for five years. Mr. Morrissey joined Tulane's faculty in 1938 and later became head of the music department in the College of Arts and Sciences. He directed the band for many years. Mr. Morrissey retired from Tulane in 1968 and was named professor emeritus of musical arts.
Mr. Morrissey was a composer and arranger. His first composition for band was "Caribbean Fantasy" and he followed with numerous other original concerts throughout the world. Among his compositions for band are "Bamboula," "Dance Fantasy for Band," "Skyline Overture," 'Main Street-U.S.A. Songs for 'Band" and "Concerto Grosso.")
In 1959, Mr. Morrissey took a leave of absence from Tulane, and after several months of study and travel in Mexico he com- posed "Viva Mexico!" a sym-suite for band. Among Mr. Morrissey's arrangements for band were "Jungle Drums," "Manhattan," "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," "The Peanut Vendor," "Song of the Islands" and "Waltzes from Sari." Also, "Carnival Day in New Orleans" and "French Quarter Suite". He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. During World War 11, he served as a major and executive officer to the chief of music in the Army.
Survivors include his wife, Rose Mary Keating Morrissey; and his stepbrother, Leonard Morrissey of Hanover, Massachusetts. Private burial will be in Lake Lawn Mausoleum. Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
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