William Leo Morrisseau of Bridgton died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at home following a long, painful, and stressful battle with health conditions. He was 85 years old.

William was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force (USAF), where he served five years in the SAC working on B52s and KC135s. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Ann.

Upon separation from the USAF, William moved with his parents to Alaska and worked as a photographer for Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

In 1965, after a storybook long-distance relationship, Bill traveled to Miami, Fla., and married Ann. They moved to California, where he attended the Brooks Institute of Photography, which was the first step toward ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in 1970.

In 1979, while on a summer-long family trip driving cross country and back, Bill and Ann fell in love with Bridgton, and moved here the following year.

Bill is well known in the community for his dedication to church and as the owner of a small handyman business. He also displayed his love for this community through his many years as the Crossing Guard by Black Horse Tavern, and by being a member of the Fire Department as a Safety Officer, and Emergency Management Director. In 2018, Bill received the Randy King Award in recognition of long and faithful service to the BFD and the citizens of Bridgton. “Your unselfish dedication is the very best of what the word volunteer means.”

He retired as Civil Emergency Preparedness Director in 2010 after almost 11 years of service. Then Bridgton Town Manager Mitch Berkowitz said, “Bill has served our community faithfully and unselfishly. He has earned my respect and that of our staff as he completed the tasks that at times seemed more administrative than relevant, but did so knowing it was for the greater good.” 

Bill and Ann were also dedicated members of the Red Cross, and were integral parts in the support provided during the Ice Storm in 1998.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann; his sister Evelyn; son Jamie; two granddaughters, and many nieces and nephews, and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents, Bernice and Leo; and daughters Ana and Amy.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, at St. Joseph Church on South High Street in Bridgton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Camp Sunshine, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Bridgton Firefighters Association.

Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home of Casco.