Barry Leo Morrisroe

Barry Leo Morrisroe, 82, passed away on July 8 th , at his home on Bainbridge Island, WA.

Son of Dolores Morrisroe (Maloney) and Gerald Morrisroe, Barry was born April 24, 1942 in Somerville, MA. After graduating Holy Rosary High School in Holyoke, MA, he received his bachelor’s degree from St. Michael’s College in Santa Fe, NM, and would go on to earn a master’s in public policy from the University of Oregon.

In 1964 Barry embarked on an adventure that would define much of his life's work by joining the newly formed Peace Corps. His service, in what is now the country of Belize, set the stage for a personal and professional journey marked by public service and community engagement.

His early work was with the Federal Head Start program, and then spent the majority of his career with the Department of Health and Human Services as budget director for Washington, Alaska, and Oregon; and then as a director with the Office of Child Support Enforcement.

During his time in the Federal Government, Barry was selected to join Senator Hubert Humphery’s legislative staff on Capitol Hill, as the former Vice President’s speech writer and legislative aide. He also served as a Congressional Fellow on Congressmen Don Bonker’s staff, helping to support Washington’s 3 rd Legislative District.

His passion for service extended into roles as a volunteer and community leader on Bainbridge Island. In the 80’s he joined the board of the Bainbridge Island Parks & Recreation Department – helping shape key levy initiatives and programs on Bainbridge that are felt to this day. He would also spend countless hours and weekends as a youth soccer and baseball coach (his distinctive style of calling for a player substitution during soccer games still echoes through Battle Point Park).

In the early 90’s, Barry took up the role of Santa Claus during the holiday season – first working at the South Center Frederick & Nelson, and then moving to Nordstrom’s flagship store in downtown Seattle. For more than thirty holiday seasons as Santa, he connected with thousands of Seattle families across generations.

During “retirement” – and between his holiday stints as Santa – Barry joined the team at T-Mobile park, helping to support his beloved Mariner’s as a host and concierge of the VIP Suites during ball games and events at the stadium – a role he would have for more than 19 years.

When he did manage to find time off in retirement, he was an active photographer, member of St. Cecilia's community, and enjoyed exploring the world on cruises with his partner Maureen (his dinner jacket was always at the ready) - as well as staying connected with his friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Morrisroe – and is survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Kathy Morrisroe of Beaverton, OR and their children: Michael Morrisroe of Kirkland, WA, Kelly Morrisroe of Lynnwood, WA, Brian Morrisroe and wife Susan of Bainbridge Island, WA; his partner Maureen Callaghan of Monroe, NY; brother Kevin Morrisroe and husband Randy Lunsford of Albuquerque, NM, sister Kathy Cramer of Albuquerque, NM; nephew Cory Cramer, his wife Angie and their sons Luke and Clyde of Kirkland, WA; niece Sofia Morrisroe of Odessa, TX, nephew Dennis Morrisroe and his wife Amy, of Durango, CO; his sister Dolores Westemier and her husband Dick and nephews Thomas and his wife Kristen; nephews Mathew, Johnathan and Joseph; nephew Mark and his wife Becky and nephew Quin and niece Sierra, and a host of cousins and friends around the country.

Barry was a beloved father, partner, uncle, cousin, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Memorial services for Barry are open to all who wish to remember him, and will take place on September 4th, at St. Cecilia’s Parish on Bainbridge Island.