John Morris

John Paul Morris died unexpectedly on January 8, 2024 in his hometown of Revere Massachusetts after living many years in Springvale, Maine and Ossipee, New Hampshire.

John was born in Revere, Massachusetts on Friday, July 13, 1962 - (yes, Friday the 13th!). He grew up in Revere with his parents and older sister, LouAnn. When he was in his twenties he began practicing martial arts, and he studied Pankration for many years under the guidance of his friend and mentor George Gonis at Gonis Academy in East Boston. With George he fostered a love of Greek History and Philosophy that made its way into the classical Greek tableaus tattooed on his arms and in other aspects of his life.

John worked as a mason for over 35 years, first under an apprentice and then as his own business beginning in the early 90’s. He was skilled at his trade and proud of his work, always eager to try out new tools to elevate his business. John built the walkways and retaining walls at both his homes in Springvale and Ossipee, which remain there to this day. He would often point out chimneys he had worked on when you were driving with him in the car, and he would take tens of dozens of photos of things he had built.

Even outside of work, John loved to be outdoors. He loved the beach, hiking, camping, canoeing and rafting, and he could often be found with a tan. In his down time, John loved football, especially watching Patriot games, and could often be found sporting one of their sweatshirts. He also loved watching what was dubbed “death and destruction” movies featuring his favorite martial artists, but he also had a secret passion for Rom-Coms. Anyone who loved John knew that he had a sentimental streak a mile wide, and that, for all the punches he knew how to throw, he was really just a big teddy bear.

John loved his kids deeply, and would tell others whenever he saw them. Whether it was taking them to theme parks and fairs, camping in an RV, watching them perform in band and theater, or just watching movies together at home, he delighted in spending time with his kids. He made a lasting impression the day he took his children out of school early just to take them to see Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in theaters. He let his kids sneak sips of his Dunkin’ Donuts coffee - only so tempting because of the excessive amounts of cream and sugar he added. John had a notable sweet tooth, and it was his nightly ritual to have a bowl of ice cream before bed.

John was a resilient man. No matter what he went through in his life, he looked to the future with the biggest dreams and aspirations. He always had indefatigable optimism that things would work themselves out, and could be infectious with his enthusiasm. No matter where he went, you knew that he loved you and you were on his mind. He was loved by so many people who thought of him often and wished him well, and already miss him deeply.

John is survived by his children Emily, Gillian, Sean, Lila and John Morris. His sister, LouAnn Leblanc, and uncles, Paul and James DeSisto, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Morris, and his aunts and uncles, Bernice DeSisto, Joseph DeSisto, and Robert DeSisto. John's life will be celebrated on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. at the Buonfiglio Funeral Home, 128 Revere Street, Revere, Massachusetts.