Gerry Morrissey, who rose to statewide notoriety when he defeated the legendary former speaker of the House in 1994 and then went on to serve in the state Senate, has died. He was 58.
Republican Morrissey died this morning at home of complications from liver ailments after a long illness.
Morrissey’s sister, state Representative Mary Morrissey, traveled home from the opening day of the Legislature to be at his side.
Gerry Morrissey became a darling of Republicans when he challenged former Speaker Ralph Wright for re-election in 1994 and won.
He served one term in the House before stepping down to run unsuccessfully for auditor of accounts. Two years later he ran successfully for the Senate, where he served until two years ago.