Obituary of Robert A. Morse

Robert A. Morse, age 83, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Monday, August 27, 2018. He was born on September 17, 1934 in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Atherton Allen and Doris Ephie (Quinn) Morse. Robert served as a Naval Hospital Corpsman during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and retired after twenty years as a Chief Petty Officer. He continued to serve his country as a Naval Reservist for an additional ten years. During that time, he lived in The Philippines and graduated Cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Silliman University. After obtaining his degree, he moved with his family to Massachusetts and worked as a chemist and water treatment plant operator. Robert moved to Florida in 1992 and began work at the Marine Resources Council where he monitored the Indian River Lagoon and educated the public on water conservation and the impact that residents have on the health of the lagoon. After retirement, Robert continued his lifelong passion for education by attending classes at F.I.T. and working as a substitute biology and chemistry teacher in Vero Beach. He also traveled to The Philippines on several occasions to develop a Mud Crab hatchery in conjunction with Sulliman University. Robert’s love of politics led him to become a founding member and president of the Palm Bay Democratic Club. Throughout his life, he actively campaigned for local and national candidates that he believed in. Robert’s loves included fishing, politics, and traveling. His greatest love, however, was that of his family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by spouse Elizabeth A. Morse; daughter Melissa (Rory) Buchanan; son Napoleon Morse; brother Brett (Linda) Morse; grandson Joseph Morse; granddaughter Lisa (Joe) Cieszynski; granddaughter Kathleen Morse; grandson Nap Robert Morse; grandson Rhyley Buchanan; granddaughter Gemma Buchanan; granddaughter Kenzie Buchanan; two great granddaughters and daughter in law Haide Morse. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5310 Babcock Street, NE, Palm Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charity.