Rory Morse

   Rory Morse, 40, a long time resident of Manchester, NH passed away September 29, 2023, after a strong battle with cancer.   

   He was born September 8,1983 to Keith and Sharry (McNally) Morse in Manchester NH.   He was educated locally at Central High School, class of 2002 and a 2008 graduate of Roger Williams University.

   He is survived by his loving parents, Keith and Sharry Morse of Manchester; his brother, Petty Officer Shawn Morse and his wife, Brianna, of Jacksonville, FL; a nephew, Shay Morse and a niece, Lily Morse both of Jacksonville FL; his grandfather, Kenneth F. Morse of Manchester NH; his grandmother, Roberta A. McNally of Keene NH; his soulmate, Karen Knesevich of Hollis, NH and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

   Rory was born with a birth defect, Klippel Trenauney syndrome. At the time, it was a rare defect.  It’s a vascular malformation that caused an overgrowth in both of his lower limbs.  Rory then became a Shriner's child at 10 months old and has had multiple surgeries and procedures at Shriner's Hospital in Springfield, MA. He was a Shriner's patient until he aged out at 21.

   Rory wasn't brought up to be disabled, he was brought up to be the best he could be with what he had. He never complained, he never felt sorry for himself, and he even tried out for the basketball team in elementary school. The basketball coach was so impressed with his spirit that he made him the team manager and surprised everyone when they made a special basketball play designed just for Rory to score a basket.  He also attained the highest ranking in Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout. 

   Rory wasn’t able to keep up with his peers on the physical side of life, but he was gifted with incredible intelligence and went on to Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.  He graduated with an Engineering degree.  He didn’t use his degree right away due to complications after a medical procedure.  But that didn't stop Rory from being Rory.  He started an eBay business; made the best chili ever and after his Nana passed away, he moved in with his grandfather.   Together they became a team and took care of each other.

   Rory pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a Shriner, to give back to the hospital who helped him so much as a child.  First, he became an active member of the Masons at the Washington Lodge.  Then he became his Masonic Temple's acting Secretary for several years and was just recognized for his years of service and contribution to the Masons with a special plaque in his name.

   After becoming a Mason, Rory fulfilled his dream by becoming a member of Bektash Shriners, later recruiting his father too.  To be a Shriner's child for 21 years and then to become an active Shriner's member himself was an incredible accomplishment, all the while on disability for ongoing health issues from KT Syndrome.

   Once Rory had recovered and gained enough stamina, he went on to work at Dolphin Pools. 

   The year 2022 was Rory's best and worst year. He bought a car, he met the girl of his dreams, found the perfect job at Proto Labs in Nashua, NH where he could use his engineering degree and he was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable inoperable cancer in the lining of his stomach. 

   On May 14, 2023, Rory and Karen had a sweet commitment ceremony.

   There will be a private graveside ceremony.  In lieu of flowers please donate to The Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Rory’s name.