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BORN

1916

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Nazare Memorial Home, Inc. - Lyndhurst

403 Ridge Road

Lyndhurst, New Jersey

CLEMENT MOORMAN Obituary

Clement Leroy 'Clem' Moorman Actor, singer, composer, and pianist whose career spanned a century, from the 1930s Newark jazz scene to Broadway, TV and modern feature films, 'elegant, sartorial, deeply spiritual' Clement Leroy Moorman, a talented, funny, charming, generous and kind 101-year- old Newark, N.J., native, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 21, 2017, following a brief illness. He was an Equity, SAG, AFTRA actor, singer, composer, pianist and recording artist who performed professionally until last year. A celebration of Clem's wonderful life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford, 1 East Passaic Ave., on Saturday, July 29, at 1 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Nazare Memorial Home of Lyndhurst, N.J. The youngest of 13, Clem was born on March 20, 1916. He always credited his professional success to his loving but stern mother, Louise, who insisted he practice piano daily, and to his sister, Hazel, who gave him lessons. His professional music career started at age 13, when he was pianist for the Sunday School of Newark's Thirteenth Avenue Presbyterian Church. At age 22, he was part of Johnny Jackson's Society Orchestra, playing at the prestigious Terrace Ballroom at Newark Symphony Hall. He created the house band, The Piccadilly Pipers, for the Piccadilly Club, a notable venue of the Newark jazz scene. His bands, under different names, performed throughout the country, including at clubs in Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Atlantic City and Puerto Rico. Through the '40s and '50s, Clem and his bands recorded for the Savoy, Apollo, Decca, and Columbia Record labels. His record "Don't Stop Now" under the band name Bunny Banks Trio was number one for five weeks on the Harlem Hit Parade. Clem was saloon singer and music director for the national tour of the Broadway Musical "Blues in the Night" with Della Reese and later Eartha Kitt. (A scheduled performance in Buffalo was sidelined by a snowstorm, where Reese and Moorman turned the booking into a four day party for cast, musicians and crew.) Clem also was the musical conductor and pianist in "Ain't Misbehavin" at the Pioneer Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah. In Maine and Texas, Clem and Paula Newsome co-starred in the two-person play, "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill," about the last days in the life of Billie Holliday. During the Texas run, Clem was named an "Honorary Citizen" of Austin. He made radio and TV appearances on the Johnny Carson Show, the David Frost show, America's Most Wanted, Chris Rock's HBO show, Arthur Godfrey Talent Scouts, and the Robert Q. Lewis and Gary Moore variety series. He made several cabaret and TV appearances with his daughter, Melba Moore, Tony Award winner and four-time Grammy nominee. He was the figure model in a display at the MLK Historic site in Atlanta. Clem filmed national commercials including Budweiser, Benson & Hedges, Oppenheimer, and Jackson Hewitt, and his distinctive voice could be heard in many voice-overs. Feature film appearances included "Down to Earth," starring Chris Rock; "Bringing out the Dead," directed by Martin Scorsese; "Loose Cannons," starring Gene Hackman; "Legal Eagles," starring Robert Redford, and "Trading Places," starring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. From age 70 through his late 90s, when most folks are retired, Clem was a pianist in residence at six upscale New Jersey restaurants and was organist and choir director at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montclair, N.J. He composed, arranged music, performed vocal and instrumental duets, and worked with the Sunday School and adult choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford, N.J., until after his 101st birthday. At his last birthday reception, Clem played a piano-organ duet of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," which he arranged for choir and piano. Elegant, sartorial, deeply spiritual, and a consummate gentleman, Clem will be remembered for his quick wit, hearty laughter and smiling eyes. He had a kind spirit and was full of life right until the end, or as he believed, until the next thing. Clem is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Kristin B. Moorman, and his much-loved children and stepchildren, Clementine Bettis, Melba Moore, Elliott Moorman, Gerard Moorman, Kathy Romano (Gary), Randy Bigness (Kate Ulichny), and Kerry Martin (Paul). He was predeceased by his son, Dennis. Mr. Moorman is also loved by a large family of grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and it's safe to say he was adored by thousands of friends and fans. Donations in Clem's memory may be made to the music fund of the Rutherford church.

Published by The Star-Ledger on Jul. 27, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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On this day we remember you, Mr. Moorman. You, your gifts of sharing your talent and love of music will never be forgotten.

Michelle Coles

July 21, 2023

Mr. M was a neighbor during my residence at St. Charles Borromeo R.C. Rectory in 1970 in Newark, NJ. He is a blessing.

Tom Swangin Jr.

Other

September 13, 2022

Sending condolences to the Moorman family, particularly my grade school classmate, Clementine and her brother, Dennis....So very sorry for the loss of your Dad.....He enjoyed a wonderful life doing what he loved. He shared his talents with Clementine's classmates performing many times over the years. Warmest regards to Clemmie and Dennis. Love, Mary Ann (Fider) Schetlick

Mary Ann (Fider) Schetlick

July 21, 2019

Just happened to see an article about Clement Moorman and was reminded of wonderful childhood memories of my dear friend and classmate, Clementine Moorman at Waverly Avenue School in Newark. On many occasions, her Dad, Mom and musical group would visit our school and perform for our class. What a treat that was!!! I remained friends with Clemmie and her brother Dennis until we moved away. At 79 yrs old, I still cherish those mrmories and my friendship with my friend. Mary Ann (Fider) Schetlick I still live in Jersey!!! God Bless and stay well!!!

Mary Ann Schetlick (Fider)

October 30, 2018

Kris and family, may the wonderful memories you have of Clem being you peace in the days ahead. He was a true talent and a wonderful person. It was always a pleasure being in his presence.

Pat Profeta

August 20, 2017

I am sorry I am not there for u today but my prayers and love r with u always.

Rita DeBoey

July 29, 2017

Karen and I always enjoyed being with Clem and Kris though it happened far too few times. We enjoyed Clem's music and his infectious smile. He will be greatly missed.

Bill Peak

July 28, 2017

Clem was a class act and wonderful guy. Spent good times listening to him play the piano at many great restaurants. May he rest in peace as we celebrate his life. Godspeed.
Geralyn and Dennis DeFabbio

Dennis DeFabbio

July 28, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

G. Freeman

July 27, 2017

Rick

July 27, 2017

The family of the late Emily Tyson Waters send heartfelt condolences.

Cheryl Waters Likins

July 27, 2017

I am blessed to have known such an amazing man. My prayers are with Kris and the family.

Heather MacDougall

July 27, 2017

A gifted and talented man who will be missed who ever saw or have seen him perform.R.I.P.

Sandy Lewis (Berke)

July 27, 2017

I so enjoyed Clem. Sat and sang with him so many times in South Orange bar. Result was a big bar tab. Sympathies, thoughts and prayers to his family.

Chuck Leonard

July 27, 2017

My condolences to thr Morman family. So sad to hear of your dear Clem's passing. May the God of tender mercies bri g comfort during this time of mourning.

Ms. Parnell

July 26, 2017

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Memorial Events
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Jul

29

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford

1 East Passaic Avenue, NJ

Funeral services provided by:

Nazare Memorial Home, Inc. - Lyndhurst

403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

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