Thomas Moxey

Thomas A. Moxey VIRGINIA BEACH - Thomas Anthony Moxey departed this world to be with his Lord and Savior Oct. 25, 2008. Tom was born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland Oct. 20, 1933. On Feb. 7, 1959, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Hart at St. Rita's Catholic Church on Staten Island, N.Y. He served in Vietnam from 1967-1968 (PBR's). He retired from the Navy in 1971 after 20 years of service with his final duty station as a ROTC instructor at Duke University. Tom's civilian career took him to Industrial Marine Service where he worked for 27 years as a foreman, supervisor and vice president before retiring. A devout Catholic, Tom was a 32-year member of the Catholic Chapel at Little Creek where he served as an usher. He was also a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. He was a member of FRA 99 and Aragona Moose Lodge. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Betty Moxey; three children, Cathy Moxey Guntz and her husband Jack of Virginia Beach, Jimmy Moxey and his wife Michele of Virginia Beach, Susan Moxey Block and her husband Bryan of Lanexa; eight grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Lauryn, Tyler, Kierstyn, Christian, Katie, Nikki and Morgyn; one brother and six sisters. In death he is reunited with his dear grandson, Nathan, two brothers and his parents. Never known to sit idle, Tom worked to instill his personal work ethic in his children. He taught them to never ask anyone to do anything they wouldn't do themselves, to give 110%, and take pride in their work. Tom's true joy in life was his family. He was THE role model of what a husband and father should be. In the last 20 years, his greatest joy has been his adored grandchildren. He was "Pa," never missing and often planning birthday parties, attending school functions and enjoying everything his grandchildren were involved in. Always the quintessential grandfather, Pa was also known as Mr. Pa to many of the grandchildren's friends. Overflowing photo albums beside his chair show how he captured the memories. The passions he shared with his family included saltwater fishing and crabbing, his love of travel, gardening, cooking, reading and playing cards. During the last decade, three generations of the family, 16 strong, made memories cruising the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda. Visions of him sitting at the railing with his book in hand will be with the family forever. All were together at his bedside as Tom made his way from this world to the next. His hardy laugh, broad shoulders and quiet guidance will be deeply missed by this family. Viewing will be held today at Woodlawn Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Little Creek Catholic Community. A committal service will be held at 2 p.m. in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Non-military attendees must enter through gate 3 and provide a photo identification. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church Food Pantry. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.woodlawngroup.com.