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Thomas J. ("T.J.") Moran passed away at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on Monday, May 18, 2015, age 84. He was born Sept. 30, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois, and was the first college graduate in his family. T.J. graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, where he made lifetime friendships. He was a proud Korean War veteran and served as a first lieutenant in the Armed Forces and was a member of the military police, stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. At the age of 9 he began caddying and developed his enduring passion for golf. His last outing was at the 2013 CCLA Highlander Tournament (of which he was a founding member) where he and his son-in-law Rob Thrash won their flight. T.J. was a lifelong entrepreneur with many business ventures, including appliance and furniture stores, auto dealerships, construction and real estate developments, advertising agencies and radio stations to name a few. In the early 1970s, a business opportunity took him to New Orleans where he discovered Ruth's Chris Steak House and met founder Ruth Fertel. A few years later he moved his family to Baton Rouge and true to his entrepreneurial spirit, he convinced Ruth to allow him to open the first franchise of the steak house in 1975 on Airline Highway in Prairieville, the outskirts of Baton Rouge. He eventually moved the restaurant to its current location on Constitution Avenue in Baton Rouge in 1978. Once the largest franchisee of Ruth's Chris Steak House, T.J. also held franchises in 11 other cities. He went on to successfully found TJ Ribs and Ninfa's Mexican Restaurant and later opened Ruffino's Italian Restaurant, all in Baton Rouge. T.J.'s business philosophy can be simply stated as - "Try to find a way to make it better every day." A 26-year cancer survivor, T.J. felt particularly indebted to his radiation oncologist Robert Fields, M.D. and the staff at Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge for his recovery from esophageal cancer, which inspired him to become a longtime supporter of the non-profit cancer care organization. In 1990, T.J. was a founding member of the Cancer Center's annual Charity Golf Classic, as it was then called. Today, the tournament is one of the Cancer Center's largest fundraising events, which generates funds to help save countless lives and allow for the creation of many new patient programs and services. Just two years after the golf tournament began, T.J. envisioned and assumed leadership for the highly successful "Brick by Brick" capital campaign for the construction of the six-story addition to the Cancer Center. In 2010, in addition to his sustained support, T.J. made an extraordinary $1 million gift to the endowment of the Cancer Center's Foundation to ensure patients and their families have access to all the services they need now and in the future. His overwhelming generosity, born of his desire to thank his caregivers for the excellent care he received, brought the Heart of a Hero grateful giving program to life. Gifts to this program will further his vision for high-quality, community-based cancer care. Most recently, as part of the renovation and expansion project at the Cancer Center, the Thomas J. Moran Imaging Center, named in his honor, was unveiled, offering the latest in diagnostic technologies, which is important for treatment planning and follow-up care. As a dedicated community volunteer T.J.'s non-profit service has significantly improved the quality of life for many residents in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana. His humanitarian impact on the community, often from behind the scenes and away from public view, has touched the lives of young people, the disadvantaged and the ill. T.J. used his popular culinary venues to support hundreds of fundraisers benefiting many charitable organizations. A longtime fan of LSU basketball and friend of Coach Dale Brown, T.J. was founding director of the Dale Brown Foundation, which promotes educational opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds. He brought his expert business experience to the boards of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, Girls and Boys Town and the Baton Rouge River Center. In addition to his board service, T.J. shared his business acumen and generous support with Boy Scouts of America - Istrouma Area Council; The Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes; St. Jude Research Foundation; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital; LSU; University of Wisconsin and Emerge Center. T.J. is survived by his loving companion Judy Byers. He is also survived by his wife, Lois Burke Moran, and his five children and their spouses: Erin Thrash & husband Rob; Elizabeth Vance & husband John; Megan Moran & fiancé Paul McFall; Kathleen Jensen & husband Peter and Burke Moran & wife Melissa. T.J. was a loving grandfather, "Papa," to nine grandchildren: Leigh Vance Banaszak & husband John; Mallory Thrash Kridler & husband David; Brent Thrash; Cullen Vance; Sam Thrash; Katherine and Samantha Jensen and Thomas and Michael Moran. He is survived by his sister Rita Moran Kiebach and his grandnephew Robert "Bo" Kiebach & wife Ashley and his great grandnephew Hank Kiebach. He was preceded in death by his much-loved nephew and best friend Thomas J. Kiebach, D.D.S. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers and friends who made T.J.'s last days so comfortable. In addition, the family recognizes the contributions of Robert Glim, George Brown, Pamela Delatorre, Vincent Tumminello, M.D., Carl Luikhart, M.D. and Robert Fields, M.D. who worked tirelessly to keep T.J. healthy and happy for so many years. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA on Friday, May 22, from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. A celebration of his life and Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. Mike Schatzle, will be held Saturday, May 23at 10:30 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 7808 St. George Catholic Drive, Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Bird Perkins - Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center's Heart of a Hero grateful giving program - mbpolol.org/hero.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Beat to T.J.'s family..Mr.Moran gave me an opportunity to help Steve Dupuis open "Butterfields"..What a great man..TY T.J.Much love.RIP..Godspeed.
Mike Cole
Work
November 10, 2023
My heartfelt condolences to the family,
Judy Byers and Tom's many friends.
William D. Connor Psi Upsilon, Rho
Chapter, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
(Colorado Springs, CO)
William D. Connor
June 25, 2015
Erin Moran and family, I was so sad to hear of T.J.'s passing when I returned home from a vacation trip to Orlando. I have so many great memories with you and your dad. He was one of a kind and you have always been a good friend to me. I'll try to contact you online or by phone after I return from my uncle's funeral out of state. Love you Erin and Rob. I'm sorry missed a chance to see you again. Gina Fryery-Sachse
Gina Fryery-Sachse
June 15, 2015
So sorry to hear of TJ's passing. All the best to the entire Moran Family...
Casey Hutchinson
June 6, 2015
Didn't have the pleasure of meeting your father Megan. Truly sorry for your loss.
Colleen Alleman
May 31, 2015
Karen and Brian Stagg
May 23, 2015
MR. MORAN ALWAYS REMEBERED HIS EMPLOYEES ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS WITH A NICE SAYING. I APPRECIATE KNOWING A WONDERFUL MAN. MR. MORAN REST IN PEACE. RARA
ROSALAND GORMAN
May 23, 2015
Rest in peace My friend. You will be missed.
Alonzo and Jackie Kling
May 22, 2015
T.J. or as I knew him, Uncle Charlie; was one of the most giving and caring people I've ever known. He will be missed every day. He changed my life forever and I will always remember him and all that he did for me and my family. My life will be forever changed because of him. I will be eternally grateful. I love you and miss you Uncle Charlie.
Tammy Wright
May 22, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fr. Bayhi
May 22, 2015
Our sincere condolences, "A True Gentlemen, Professional and the very human definition of a TIGER". It is OUR honor to have known him!
Rev. Bernard Woodside, Patricia Woodside and the entire Woodside Family.
Bernard Woodside
May 22, 2015
One of the best ever for BR and for LSU.
A great man who we all miss.
Sandy and Skip Bertman
May 22, 2015
Heartfelt condolences to the entire Moran family. T.J. was a good friend; we had many good times playing together in golf tournaments, always enjoying each others company. We will miss him but he'll always be remembered with great affection.
Dr. Gayle and Belinda Sanchez
May 22, 2015
A great pal. See you again Tom.
Tim Degnan
May 21, 2015
We send our condolences to the Moran Family. T.J. was a great man and friend and we learned so much from him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and family.
Terri & Gerry DiNardo
May 21, 2015
We should all seek to grow in faith, love, and acts of service as T.J. did. Peace be with his family. Joe Kavanaugh
Joe Kavanaugh
May 21, 2015
I never had the pleasure of meeting him but worked for his nephew after Katrina until I moved back to my home town. I remember Dr. Kiebach speaking fondly of his uncle. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his family.
Dobie Edgecombe
May 21, 2015
Our Deepest Sympathy, Judy! "What a guy"!! LOL, Jack & Annette
Jack Wood
May 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Moran family during this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories of T.J bring you comfort and healing.
Molly Burke-Dudek
May 21, 2015
It is a sad time and my heart goes out to the family, friends, associates and all who's lives he touched. Follow his footsteps, continue his legacy and your lives will be blessed forever.
Kathy Jones
May 21, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Moran family. Mrs. Judy, I know you will miss him always. Love you, Kim Chenevert
May 21, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Judy and all of the Moran family. May GOD comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
Howard Carter Jr.
May 21, 2015
I enjoyed flying Mr. TJ and Ms. Judy around to the many restaurants and especially enjoyed "testing" the food and service.
Clyde O'Neill
May 20, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Moran family, and loved ones. Our friendship started at Sherwood Forest CC, and continued for all these years. TJ- may you rest in peace my friend.
Jo & Anne Collier
May 20, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Moran Family, Burke, Katy, Megan, Liz and Erin and to Judy as well. I feel so blessed and so proud to have known Mr. Moran and I thank him every day for the strong, professional woman I have become. My heart is so sad, my world is left void, but my memories of Mr. Moran will remain forever. Love always,
Sally Mayeux McKenzie
Sally McKenzie
May 20, 2015
I am so sadden to hear the news that T.J. Moran passed away. He was one of finest men I ever knew. I worked for him at Meador's Seafood and Prime Rib and at Ruth Chris's Steak House in Baton Rouge. My condolences to his family, loved ones, Judy Byers and friends. May God be with you all during this time, give you peace and strength for the days that lie ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be missed my many.
Sharon Goynes
May 20, 2015
Celebrate a life well lived. Cherish the memories. God bless...
Clyde and Phyllis Roy
May 20, 2015
His love for his family and friends was evident. He will always hold a special place in all our hearts. Praying for family and friends who mourn his loss. May God bring peace to all and wrap his loving arms around Tom. God Bless......
Phyllis and Clyde Roy
May 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Praying for Gods love, peace and grace to be with everyone. Another angel has his wings.. God bless.
Connie Lanning
May 20, 2015
My prayers go out to the family at this time of sorrow. I never met him, but after reading this I can see what a wonderful man he was! He surely be missed. God Bless each of you!
Annie Ray
May 19, 2015
I will always remember Uncle Tom with a smile on his face, a good joke, a hearty laugh and a kind word. I wish the distance between MN and LA weren't so far so I could have known him better, but we enjoyed his annual golf visits with my father and Jackie. My heart goes out to all of you. It is so very hard to lose someone so full of life.
Joanne Matzen Mohrman
May 19, 2015
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory East11000 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
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