SALEM – Mr. Matthew Josef Morrissey, 35 of Salem, beloved father of Madeline Nessa Morrissey, died suddenly, Friday, December 29th, 2023 at his home.

Born in Beverly he was the son of Diana (Kister) Morrissey of Danvers and Daniel Morrissey and his wife Patricia of Rockport. He was raised and educated in Beverly and attended Beverly High School.

Mr. Morrissey had been employed as a Tree Arborist having been associated with Cape Ann Tree and as a young professional had been associated with Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester.

Music sang a soul in his heart and he had a tremendous passion of sharing his musical talent with others. He loved to play the guitar and could often be found at Dane Street Beach strumming away for any bystanders to enjoy. His prowess for Blue Grass music was well known throughout the North Shore and beyond and as a member of the Tree House Charletons, (his blue grass band) he entertained others with his soulful melodies. He was a lead singer and guitar player in the band performing in many venues, but more often than not he was happiest when "Jamming" with his fellow musicians and friends at the tree house in Gloucester woods, a place he revered. His musical talent truly had no limits. When not playing he could often be found attending blue grass concerts all over New England and beyond. Bluegrass music spoke to him and opened a place within him that allowed him too truly be happy and free.

Matt's talents extended to landscaping. His work as a stone mason and hardscape designer and installer was sought after by family and friends. He put his artistic talents to use when designing and retro fitting hardscapes in gardens, backyards and walkways.

A man who marched to the beat of his own tune, Matt typically had a smile on his face and a sunny disposition. He will be deeply missed by his entire family.

Matt is survived by his daughter, Madeline Nessa Morrissey, his mother, Diana (Kister) Morrissey of Danvers, his father, Daniel Morrissey and his wife, Patricia of Rockport, his brother, Adam Morrissey of Rockport, his paternal grandmother, Irene Morrissey of Danvers, his wife, Kim Ottinger, her parents, Peter and Xenia Ottinger, his maternal grandmother, Ursula Stanwood of Hamilton, his aunts, Paula St. Amand and her husband, Nick of Rockport, Lisa Miley and her husband, John of Beverly, Susan Morrissey and her husband, Greg Chane of Salem and Michelle Russell, his uncles, David Morrissey and his wife, Lisa of Bevely and John and Scott Stanwood and many cousins including, Justine, Nicole, Raymond, Ryan, Hannah, Kelly, Daniel, Megan and Sara and extended family. He was the devoted grandson of the late John Stanwood Sr. and the late E. Paul "Pappy" Morrissey, with whom he had a special relationship with. He was pre-deceased by his cousin Johnny Miley.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral services will be privately held. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Matt's memory to Advocates, a nonprofit committed to helping people with mental health and substance use challenges. Donate online at www.advocates.org/donate or mail a check to Advocates, 1881 Worcester Road Framingham, MA 01701. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com