Father Fredrick H. “Fred” Morse, a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Portland, entered into eternal rest on April 4, 2026. Father Fred was born in Bangor on Sept. 26, 1952, the son of Katherine (Murphy) Morse and Nathan Stanley Morse.
Father Fred was the fifth of seven children: Thomas H. Morse (deceased), Margaret Morse Rivers, Michael M. Morse (Cynthia), Mary Morse Dwelley (Thomas), Mark N. Morse (Peggy), and Katherine Morse Fernald (Daniel). In addition to his siblings, he is survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Father Fred graduated from St. John’s Catholic School, John Bapst Catholic High School, the University of Maine, and Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1995 at St. John’s Church in Bangor.
Throughout his ministry, Father Fred served in Fort Kent, Daigle, South Portland, Portland, Peaks Island, Brunswick, Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Richmond, Newcastle, and Harpswell. He also served as chaplain at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and at Maine Medical Center. In retirement, he resided in Boothbay Harbor.
Before entering the seminary, Father Fred worked in sales management for WABI-TV and WYOU in Bangor, WGME-TV in Portland, and WROC-TV in Rochester, New York.
Relatives and friends are welcome to call from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Brookings-Smith, at 133 Center St. in Bangor. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John’s Catholic Church, at 217 York St. in Bangor. All are welcome to share conversation and refreshments in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. Graveside services will be private.
Those who wish to remember Father Fred in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 61 Main St., Islesford, ME 04646.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at brookingssmith.com.
