Sylvius S. Moore Sr.

HAMPTON - Sylvius S. Moore Sr., Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, Health and Recreation at Hampton University, who served as coach, teacher, chairman of the department of physical education, health and recreation and athletics director at the university for more than 40 years, died on Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at the Buckingham Pavilion Nursing Home in Chicago, Ill. He was 92. Mr. Moore, the son of the late William J. Moore and Susie Smothers Moore, was born on Feb. 24, 1912, in Cape May, N.J. He received his undergraduate degree in physical education and mathematics from Hampton Institute, a master's in physical education administration, except for the dissertation, at New York University. While a student at Hampton, he was a member of the 'Fighting Pirates' Championship Football Team of 1931. Later, he captured the Middleweight Wrestling Championships in 1934 and 1935. Mr. Moore distinguished himself through five decades of meritorious community and national service. He began his career as the director of the Craig House Art Center in Richmond, Va. Next, he served as a teacher in the City of Richmond Public School System, and as a teacher and coach in the Hampton Public School System where his George P. Phenix High School football teams won the 1941 and 1942 state championships. He returned to his alma mater in 1943 as head football coach, and served the Hampton Institute community for more than four decades as the coach of many sports, including wrestling, basketball and tennis. He was most noted for his regional and national swimming leadership. He, along with the late John H. Burr of Howard University, founded the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (C.I.A.A.) competitive swimming program. He served on the staff of the National Aquatic School at Camp Pequot, on Gardner Lake, Colchester, Conn. And, in 1975, he was elected one of the four vice presidents of the Virginia State Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.) His notable achievements in swimming led to his induction into the Swimming Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C. During the course of his 50-year career, he received numerous awards and recognitions. He received the Twenty Year Service Award from the American Red Cross in 1965. In 1969, he received the coveted Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, while on the faculty at Hampton Institute. He received the Virginia A.A.U. Service to Youth Award in 1975. In 1977, the Sylvius S. Moore Invitational Swim Classic was created in his honor. On Founder's Day in 1985, he received the Presidential Citizenship Award in recognition of outstanding service to the university and the community. And, in 1985, the Board of Trustees at Hampton Institute appointed him as Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, Health and Recreation. Mr. Moore was a member of numerous organizations including the Quarter Century Club of Hampton Institute, the Delta Beta Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, Hampton, Va., just to name a few. He is survived by his sister, Amaleta A. Moore of Cape May, N.J.; a son and daughter-in-law, Sylvius S. and Rosalyn R. Moore Jr. of Chicago, Ill.; and two grandchildren, Sidney A. Moore of Richmond, Va., and Tamara Moore of New York City. Moore believed so much in service to humanity, and he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach and friend. He will be missed by many, especially his family, but his 92-year humble walk on this earth is a cause for celebration, not a time for sorrow and despair. Viewing will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, Sept. 16, at Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home and viewing for Mr. Moore will begin on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will follow at the Hampton University Cemetery. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home by 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Arrangements by Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home.