We are heartbroken to share the news that our Dad, Ken, passed away. Never one to make a fuss, he slipped away from the dock quietly and hoisted the sails for his next voyage.
Ken was born in NYC and raised in Flushing. He graduated from the New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler with a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Immediately after graduation, Ken traveled to Washington, D.C. to start his 33-year career as a naval architect with the Department of Defense (DOD), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). He also married Dolores Schanne in May of 1958; they had two children.
Ken was a talented engineer, musician and artist throughout his life. His area of specialty was Underway Replenishment and he won awards making his mark with new designs to make resupplying ships easier and safer. Throughout his career he was a proponent of re-introducing sails on military and commercial ships.
Music was always a part of Ken’s life. He was the bugler at Boy Scout Camp and also played the trumpet, baritone horn and classical guitar. He sang in the Glee Club at college, in the choir at church and could often be found singing at his favorite piano bars. He took up stained glass and created beautiful windows; he loved it so much he taught others. But he loved nothing better than being on the water, whether it was on one of the Navy ships he designed, a sloop, a catamaran or just a small motorboat.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lavita Morisseau and his brother James Morisseau. He is survived by his daughter Anne and husband Robert; his son KC (Kenneth C. Morisseau Jr.); and Fletcher Williams, who was like a son to him.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Chandler Hall in Newtown, Pennsylvania and Victoria Place in Port Townsend where Ken lived his final years in comfort, safety and love and the Assured Hospice team for their compassionate care. We all miss you Dad.
Memorials may be sent to the Northwest Maritime Center or the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding. A life celebration is planned for later this summer.
Read the full obituary at www.poulsbomortuary.com.
