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Joseph Moore Obituary
Joseph M. Moore, 65, died on September 9, 2014 after a hard-fought battle with ALS. He passed away peacefully at his home in New Fairfield, surrounded by his family. Born July 18, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY, to Thomas and Teresa Moore, Joe lived many years in Stuyvesant Town, Manhattan. He is an alumnus of Cardinal Hayes High School. He spent many summers at Camp Fordham, working and forming numerous lifelong friendships. Joe earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Fordham University and Manhattan College. He followed his passion and pursued a career in teaching. He worked in various NYC schools, including Immaculate Conception and St. Francis de Sales in Manhattan, St. Joseph By the Sea in Staten Island, and St Nicholas of Tolentine High School in the Bronx, where he spent eight happy years as teacher, assistant principal, and basketball coach, proudly leading three Tolentine teams all the way to CHSAA Championships in 1983, 1985, and 1988. Some of these students went on to national professional basketball careers. In 1990, Joe and his family relocated to New Fairfield, and Joe started a career teaching social studies at Somers Central School District in Somers, NY. Joe would remain at Somers High School until his retirement in 2011.
Joe loved life and embraced whatever opportunities came his way. Music was his passion, and he was a lifelong radio fan and supporter of local, live music. He also enjoyed taking guitar lessons for many years but, as self-proclaimed "King of the No-Talent Bums," he dedicated himself to bringing people together through music, whether at home, in the classroom, or in his community, where he was a co-founder of Groovin' in New Fairfield.
Nothing made Joe happier than spending time with "his girls." This devoted husband and father leaves behind his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Moore (Hyde), their daughters Tara Moore and Katie Moore, and their dogs Benjy and Lexie, all of New Fairfield. Joe is also survived by his sister and her husband, Wendy and Ken Weber of North Plainfield, NJ, nephews Brian Weber and Matthew Weber, and niece Michelle (Weber) Taylor and her husband John Taylor. Joe is predeceased by his parents.
A natural teacher and a true people person, Joe was always ready with advice, stories, a friendly smile, and lots of his trademark "Dad jokes;" it's no surprise that so many former students sought out "Mr. Moore" years (and even decades) after leaving his classroom.
Though his life was cruelly cut short by the ruthless torture that is ALS, Joe's legacy of life, love, and music will live on, not only in his family and friends, but also in the generations of students whose lives he was so honored to have touched.
Viewing hours will be at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, on Monday, September 15 from 4:00-8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 16th, at 10:30 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Church, New Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, the Moore family requests donations to Regional Hospice of Western CT (http://regionalhospicect.org/), the ALS Association CT Chapter (http://webct.alsa.org), or a charity of your choosing, honoring Joe's memory and spirit. The Moore family would like to express their sincere gratitude to nurse Joanne, aide Tweedy, and social worker Colleen, all from Regional Hospice, for their truly exceptional care, support, and compassion during these past six months.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Moore
Bob Mackey
December 2, 2014
Just found out Joe had passed away. He was a great mentor at Tolentine back in the late 80's. He will be missed by many. God Bless.
Gene Pavia
October 10, 2014
It was sad to learn of Joe's passing. He worked for my Grandfather, Bo Adams, at Camp Fordham for several years while I was a camper and then counsler. Joe taught us many things, including how to give and how to take a joke. The only image that comes to mind when I think of him is his heartful smile. Joe was one of the threads that made the fabric of Camp Fordham so durable after several decades have gone by. When we think of the good old days, Joe is part of that picture. God bless you Joe and your family. I am honered to have you as part of my life. Rest in peace.
Kerry Rao
October 1, 2014
I was privileged enough to have had Mr. Moore as my economics teacher my senior year of high school at Somers. I was heartbroken to hear about his passing; not only because he touched so many lives as a teacher, but because he was the only one who truly pushed me to follow my dreams of becoming a teacher myself! His patience, kindness, sense of humor and understanding made coming to class everyday a treat. I am blessed to say that his faith in me is the sole reason I pursued my dreams. I am now an assistant teacher for a preschool working on obtaining my CDA. Thank you for your support, Mr. Moore and for teaching me life's greatest lesson: persistence and dedication. You will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to the family. RIP.
Paul Kelly
September 28, 2014
I will miss Joe for a number of reasons. Next to my parents, he was a beacon of light since I was roughly 12 years old.
We shared a friendship over many years that I will always cherish. I will miss the random phone calls and advise that helped me to be a better human being. My best love to his family. good by may dear friend. Our conversations would always end with me saying "Thanks Joe"
One more time ......"Thanks Joe"
Mehdi Namazie
September 17, 2014
Although I never met Joe I always felt I knew him from Betty's annual Christmas messages updating us here in Singapore about events in the Moore family. I am very saddened indeed to hear of Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Betty, Tara, and Katie.
September 16, 2014
Thank you Mr. Moore you was an inspiration on the court and off the court when I attended Tolentine High School. You have left a lasting impression in my life that I can't forget. Spread your spirit and fly on Eagle's wings.
My parents, both my younger sisters, as well as, myself sends their condolences to the Moore family. Thank you for allowing him to enlighten our lives a few hours of the day. Amen.
Dr. Millicent Edusei, Tolentine High School 1986 - 1987
Eileen McCarthy
September 16, 2014
Joe was a true friend and a Best Man in every sense, truly one of a kind.
September 16, 2014
September 15, 2014
Joe and I worked together in Tolentine. He was a great mentor to the students. His humor and good advice will always be remembered. We had many challenges as administrators in Tolentine, but the good humor of Joe saw us through some difficult times. We laughed much and talked much. These were Joe's greatest gifts.
My sympathy goes to Betty, Tara, Katie and his sister Wendy.
Can't you imagine heaven when Joe arrived.
It will never be the same place. He has joined all the many dedicated Catholic school teachers who gave so much of themselves for many.
Rest in peace Joe, until we meet again.
Sister Rose Ellen Gorman, O.P.
September 15, 2014
Or family is fortunate to be able to call Joe, Betty, Tara and Katie Moore our dear friends. I first met Joe as we were waiting to pick up our kids at Consolidated School in New Fairfield. Joe started a conversation - is anyone surprised?! It was the first of many conversations we had over the years as we were both teachers and shared common interests and concerns about education and our students. I'll miss our conversations, and our whole family will miss Joe.
With much love to Betty, Katie and Tara,
Reg, Ron and Stephanie Huber
Tom Cassidy
September 15, 2014
Dear Betty and family,
I just wanted to express my sadness at the passing of my friend, Joe Moore. I greatly appreciate the sixty years of friendship I shared with Joe starting in the first grade at Epiphany School. Joe was a uniquely compassionate and intelligent person who always found time to share his insights on many issues or listen to and help a friend. Plus Joe had a wonderful sense of humor, and the greatest laugh ever.
I will continue to keep the Cardinal Hayes directory on my night table because that is where I would look for Joey's number when I felt like calling a friend who understood the world we grew up in. My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Anna Cruz
September 14, 2014
We were very fortunate to have met Joe in California while he and his family came to vacation. Although Anna and Betty Ann are family, Joe and Herb hit it off immediately and spoke for hours. He was a gentle giant: gentle in his compassion, love, and fostering of individuals, and a giant in his view that everyone should have their opinions heard and have value. His presence was one which absolutely made the world a better place. And even better, even in his absence the world will be a better place because of his memory. He was a teacher, husband, a father, a coach, and a friend. THAT is a full life that the rest of us can aspire to. Godspeed, Coach. We will miss you Joe and will keep your memories close to our hearts. Love to you Betty, Tara and Katie! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Herb and Anna Cruz and family. XO
Nancy & Dave Patterson
September 14, 2014
Dear Betty, Tara and Katie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will remember Joe as a loving husband and father, a caring teacher, and a steadfast friend.
Joanne Quinn-Beers
September 14, 2014
While his passing brings great sadness, it is hard not to think of Joe and smile or laugh...so many wonderful funny memories from Camp Fordham. What a great guy, kind, genuine and a great sense of humor...
You will be missed, but will surely be a part of every future Camp Fordham reunion. We'll raise a glass to you, Joe.
September 14, 2014
Betty, Tara and Katie, Love to you all at this time. Even though we're distance apart, Joe is still in our memories. He was well loved by so many. Betty was an exceptional and loving wife to Joe, he was lucky to have her for 29 years. A good father to Tara and Katie. He will be missed.
My prayers are with you all at this time.
Love Gracie xx
Jesse Ouellette
September 13, 2014
Dear Katie and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We hope that now more than ever your thoughts will be filled with wonderful memories and peace of mind knowing Mr. Moore is in a blessed place.
With all of our love,
-Jesse and Nicole Ouellette
Shannon Ouellette
September 13, 2014
Mr. Moore was such a remarkable person, who was so full of life! The moore's have been my second family for years, Mr. Moore was always an important figure in my life, and I've valued any time spent with Him. Thank you for all you've taught me, and done for me. You will always live in my heart, forever and ever. and I promise I'll take good care of your girls. Rest peacefully Mr. Moore, and watch over us all.
Love Always xox <3
maryanne lomonico
September 13, 2014
dear joe im am so glad ur in peace. u were a true humanitarian of life and im sure ur girls and beautiful wife betty will so miss u so much:( rip and with the the rest of our family love and prayers mary anne lomonico and girls xoxoxoxxxo
Michelle Davila -Majoros
September 13, 2014
Mr. Moore was my social studies teacher at Tolentine and I remember his "Breakfast with Booboo" - 7:45 am AP History - a class he designed my senior year - and the greatest sign of his commitment to teaching that any student could ask for. Even now I remember the oh so very corny jokes - and yes, 30 years later I still laugh! He instilled a passion for doing your best, for being proud of where you came from and never to forget the "little guy". Despite my very heavy heart, I am so very grateful to have known him and honored to have been his student and friend.
Michelle Davila (Class of 1984 Tolentine High School)
Kathy Hull
September 13, 2014
Debbie Nahabedian and I sat side by side with Joe for many hours as he conceived his plan for bringing live music to New Fairfield. In the process we became good friends. “Groovin' in New Fairfield” began with music on a Sunday afternoon several times throughout each year. Eventually Joe's dream for the Saturday evening Coffeehouse became a reality and continues to this day. My heart goes out to Betty, Tara, and Katie. How lucky he was to have you. May loving memories stay close to your heart.
Emily Schwellenbach
September 12, 2014
Dear Betty and daughters, My heart goes out to all of you. You will remain in my prayers always. May God grant you strength and courage as you mourn your beloved husband and father. Lovingly, Don and Emily Schwellenbach
Sharon Darinzo
September 12, 2014
Joe Moore and "his girls" have been good friends with our family for years. His daughter Katie and my daughter Jess met in Girl Scouts and our lives became intertwined through their friendship. I always enjoyed sitting with the Moore's at all the family functions because he was always quick with a joke and could tell stories like nobody else. We will miss you Joe, but we know you are in a better place. Our love and support goes out to Betty, Katie, and Tara.
Love Always,
Sharon, Glenn, Jessica, and Chris Darinzo
Bruna e Mauro
September 12, 2014
Although the days we spent together were not many the memory of you remains with us forever. A embrace. Ciao Joe
mark ouellette
September 12, 2014
Joe and his family have been dear friends and neighbors for many years. He was an avid sports ( especially basketball) and music enthusiast. He will be fondly remembered as a wonderful Father, Husband and friend who was always there when you needed him. We will miss him dearly but are thankful and blessed for the time we had with him. My God bless him and watch over his family
Tom Barkley
September 12, 2014
Joe Moore was my basketball coach for several years for the Epiphany parish (Manhattan) CYO league, and I know that I speak for many men that Joe coached as teens, that he was altruistic, patient, kind, and helped a bunch of us form long-lasting bonds that continue to last until this day. Although most of us have not been in touch, we are now feeling his loss and are sorry to hear that he is no longer there helping others as he helped us. Thank you Joe.
September 12, 2014
I first met Joe back in the late 1960's where he was a camp counselor at Camp Fordham in the Catskills. Many years later we were reunited when Joe came to teach at Tolentine HS in the Bronx where I played basketball and later was a coach. Joe loved Tolentine and was a very respected teacher, coach and mentor to many students. I again lost touch with Joe but did get to see him again when he gave the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame induction speech for Bob Austin, the long time coach at Tolentine. Very sorry for the news and God bless Joe and his family.
Dave Grossbard, Pearl River NY
Gail Redenz
September 12, 2014
To Betty and family;
May you find peace and comfort in this time of sorrow, in your memories of a wonderful husband and father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob, Gail, Cassidy & Robert Redenz
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
September 11, 2014
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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