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Ken Mooney Obituary
Looking at the life of Ken Mooney, one can see that Ken was a Renaissance Man. Ken loved music, art, and science. Born in Ogden, UT on July 25, 1944, Ken moved with his family to Avondale, AZ in 1950. Ken graduated from Agua Fria High School where he was active in band. After graduating from Arizona State University, Ken taught biology at Shea Middle School. Ken earned his Masters Degree from ASU. Ken and his wife, Brenda, took graduate classes in Hawaii and mainly at Northern Arizona University. Ken loved and excelled at teaching. Always an environmentalist, he organized desert clean-ups with his students. An interest in space sent the Mooneys to workshops with the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena and Cape Canaveral. Meeting Voyager Scientists and astronauts brought enrichment to Ken's classes. Ken's students honored him with multiple listings in Who's Who Among America's Educators. After 29 years of teaching, Ken retired; but a life of leisure didn't last long. In 2006, Ken and Brenda bought an 1882 building in Payson, AZ. They opened Bootleg Alley Antiques & Art. Along with a few other business owners, the Mooneys started Payson's award winning event, First Friday Art and Antiques Walk on Main St. Each month, the Mooney's hired Payson's favorite bands to perform in their parking lot where local charities grilled and sold brats. One musician dubbed Bootleg Alley, "Payson's most happenin' little shop". Ken was also a founding member of the Payson Main Street Merchants Guild. A devoted family man, Ken looked for ways to help his autistic son, Sean. Ken attended many backpacking trips with Sean and the Shea Hiking Club. Ken met his wife of 47 years, Brenda, when they worked at FedMart in 1967. Together, they became teachers, traveled, enjoyed music and collecting art. They spent summers at their cabin in Munds Park (another project of Ken's) Ken's parents Herold and Julia preceded him in death. Also preceding him is his dear Aunt Ruby Kuzik. Ken leaves behind his wife Brenda and son Sean. His brother, Bill (Marjie), sisters Bonnie and Dianne (Linda) survive. Ken's dearest friends Brian and Becky Darnell will miss him. ( Brian met Ken when they were 7 years old.) He will also be missed by his hiking buddy, Bob Seiler (Marilyn).. Ken is also survived by his mother-in-law, Gerry Kano Maynard, and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ken's life will be held in the future.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ken Mooney
Kathy Palmer
July 8, 2020
My husband Daryl remembers a conversation with Ken probably before Sean was born. Ken was saying he planned to keep his Celica forever and Daryl wondered if he did. I remember what must have been a potluck at your house with all our team mates from 6th grade at Desert Foothills along with our spouses. How generous of you and Ken to open your home to us. Somehow I heard of your move to Payson and opening an antique shop. I'm so sorry we never made it up there to look you up, as we talked about many times. Blessings to you Brenda and Sean wherever you may go.
Linda Peters
May 18, 2020
Hey Ken! Just thinking about you recently. Miss you, especially at work. You were one of two people who called me Lynn. I will never forget you. Thank you for letting my family and I rent one of your houses. Loved it. Wish you were still here. Love you!
Elaine Peterson/Shears
June 22, 2015
Ken and I grew up together. I have fond memories of holiday dinners, celebrating family milestones, and going camping and fishing together. I know you are smiling about fishing as I caused you grief and always made you lose the "big one" because I couldn't be quiet. I'm sorry I missed the "grown up" years.....you as an amazing teacher, a great father, and true friend!
John Putnam
June 22, 2015
Just received the news from Dixie DiVito on the Agua Fria HS website. I have many, many fond memories of Ken when he was at Agua Fria HS and played in the Band (I was the director from 1959-65). I would've recognized that smile (in the picture) in a second. He was a joy to work with and I'm not at all surprised by the many successes he had as a beloved teacher and business man. He was a very special gift to the lives of many. I know that he is missed.
June 22, 2015
Our high school class wasn't very large. Seems its really going away quickly. RIP Ken. Gordon Gill
Paulette Chartier
June 1, 2015
Ken (Mr Mooney) was the most cheerful and upbeat teacher when I knew him at Shea Middle. I remember his classes heading off to the desert to pick up trash each year. He was passionate, and kind. He made an effort to teach his students good values and life skills as well as science. RIP Ken <3
Ernie Salazar
May 28, 2015
I attended Agua Fria High School with Ken, he was my friend during my high school years. I can still see him in his black buick driving around. Going to his house and listening to Dave Brubeck. May you rest in peace Shine. Love you man!!!
Ron Smith
May 27, 2015
What a good man ! Ken wore a lot of different hats at Shea Middle School including a season of coaching track when we won the Az Middle School Championship. Watched his little trailer in Pinewood disappear inside of a beautiful cabin that he built. My most special memory was a sunset jog with Ken on Schnebley Hill road one summer evening and the education he gave me about some constellations over a couple of n/a beers. We saw deer, a rattlesnake, and a skunk that evening and together shared that story with others for years. Bless you my friend.
Christine Owen
May 27, 2015
I knew Mr. Mooney from Shea Middle School, he was my 8th grade Science teacher. He was a wonderful teacher, he taught with passion and humor. I will always carry with me the memories from his class. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and his friends, I am truly sorry for your loss. I am honored that our lives crossed paths, honored that he was my teacher!!!
Kasondra Perez
May 27, 2015
Mr. Mooney was my 8th grade science teacher at Shea Middle school. He was a great teacher & a real funny guy. I'll never forget the stories he told, nor the lessons learned in his class. He was one of a kind & will be greatly missed. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to his family & friends. It's a privileged to have know him.
Judi Nichols
May 26, 2015
Your gentle soul and big smile will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace my friend. Deepest condolences to the Mooney family.
Dana Whissen
May 26, 2015
You're the best, Mr. Mooney. <3
Carol Graziano
May 26, 2015
Great teacher. Always smiling.
Michael Hecker
May 26, 2015
Some of my best memories in grade school was Mr. Mooney's 5th grade class. I was so excited to also have him in middle school. He made learning fun! My sympathies to his family.
Stacey gubser
May 26, 2015
Rest in peace Mr Mooney. What a great teacher who touched the lives of so many. Deepest sympathy to his family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us PVUSD students!
Brian Darnell
May 26, 2015
Ken was my best friend since the 2nd grade at Avondale Elementary School. We considered ourselves brothers from different mothers as we grew up and remained close friends until his passing. I have so many great memories our of our times together that it would require a book to fit it all in. Through our grade school, high school and college years we were always connected, even as we pursued different career paths later in life. Ken became an outstanding teacher that touched and helped mold the lives of thousands of his students throughout his 29 year career. I'm sure those students lives have been enhanced by Ken's dedication and commitment to expanding their horizons, way beyond the norm. Ken also loved music and we both played together in bands through grade school, high school, and later starting a rock band and performing several years before starting college. As we grew older we loved listening to great local musicians such as Bill Hranek, who became a good friend to Ken later in his life. In the months before his passing Ken and I would meet every wednesday at my house and play the guitar and discuss music. In fact his love of music provided the opportunity for Ken and Brenda to see live in concert almost every big name band that performed in the last 35 years. Ken was such a great advocate for his son Sean, and with his wife Brenda they able to provide a sense of stability to his life. Ken will be missed more than can be told. I am so blessed to have know him and to have loved him. His time with Brenda was such a great life lived, with so many achievements and triumphs that it would be hard to list them all. Rest in Peace my brother.
Brian Darnell
Samantha Dougherty
May 25, 2015
One of the most influential teachers I ever had. I will never forget you Mr. Mooney.
Tricia Moore
May 25, 2015
I had Mr. Mooney for science class in 1984-1985 school year. He was always smiling and told the best jokes of any teacher I ever had. He had an interesting and unique style of teaching that made learning fun and memorable. My thoughts and prayers to his family & friends.
Tunde Rabouin
May 25, 2015
He was a great Teacher and Man. He will be missed. Always talked to the students and treated us as equals. As if he were learning right along with us. Great smile and great sense of humor. He made learning fun and he held our attention. He will be missed...
Lauren Anton/Gooding
May 25, 2015
Mr. Mooney was one of my favorite teachers at Shea Middle School. He was always so enthusiastic about what he did and everyone just loved him! 17 years later...i still remember being in his class like it was just yesterday. Tears fall from my eyes today as I mourn the loss of such a great person. Thank you for everything you did, Mr. Mooney. You will be missed dearly...
Chris de Barros
May 25, 2015
I don't remember many teachers, but I remember Mr. Mooney. He was my 8th grade science teacher at Shea Middle School. He was quirky and kind and every time I hear the Gin Blossoms, I think of him, as he used to play their songs during class.
Gloria Simpson
May 25, 2015
Brenda and Shawn I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing, you are in my prayers.
Jennifer Cummings (Berry)
May 25, 2015
RIP Mr. Mooney! I have always thought of you & your funny sense of humor throughout my adult years. :) I'm so glad you were my teacher at Shea! You helped me when we were dissecting cow eyeballs & the lens popped out & into my mouth! Yipes! and the 1st time I met you & told you my last name was Berry... You asked "like dingleberry?" Ha! You had a lasting impact on so many. Comfort in knowing you are at peace.
May 25, 2015
I loved Mr Mooney as my teacher at Shea Middle School! He seemed to always be smiling! I am so sorry for your loss, he changed many students lives )
Crystal Standley
May 25, 2015
Mr. Mooney was my 8th grade Biology/science teacher at Shea middle school. He always knew how to make learning fun & I have many fond memories in his class. He was also very engaged with us outside of class, making sure we were all ok & behaving ourselves. I took many of his lessons & incorporated them into my life, such as "never stop learning, there's always something new to be discovered. Be a sponge."
Thank you for everything Mr. Mooney. You are missed more than you will ever know. My condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Mooney! We love you!
Anne Prince Rickard
May 25, 2015
Mr. Mooney was my 5th grade teacher at Desert Cove back in 1980. He was my favorite teacher from elementary school because of his kindness, sense of humor and genuine love of teaching. He made every day enjoyable. A science experiment with mealworms stands out in my mind as just one of his fun science experiments. Goodbye, dear Mr. Mooney.
Susi VT
May 25, 2015
Two things that I will never forget about Mr. Mooney: You Get What You Give. He played that New Radicals song for us, passed out the lyrics and we talked about it at length. Also, he taught us to never stop stretching! Such a great man for truly wanting to help young children become decent adults.
Haili Adamoli-Pirkl
May 25, 2015
Mr. Mooney was a star! I was lucky enough to have him as my fifth grade teacher at Desert Cove. He made learning fun by creating a warm and friendly environment and greeted us everyday with a smile. My prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed!
Dan Smederovac
May 25, 2015
I had Mr. Mooney as my 5th grade teacher at Desert Cove. He was a great teacher and positive influence in my life. For all of us who were at Desert Cove in the 4th grade, we all waited and hoped that when we received the news of who we would have for next year, that we would see our names on his student list. We all knew then that we were going to have the best year. And we did, thanks to him.
James Karas
May 24, 2015
Thank You Mr. Mooney For Being Such A Great Teacher At (Shea Middle School)
+++May Your Memory Be Eternal+++
Lauri Roesch
May 24, 2015
I had Mr. Mooney for science in eighth grade in 1984 and to this day I list him as one of my best and favorite teachers. My condolences.
Jennifer Stephens Phillips
May 24, 2015
I remember Mr. Mooney from Shea and also went to Peggy's with Sean so long ago. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Renner Leedom
May 24, 2015
My heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Mooney's family and friends. Few teachers had an influence on my interests like Mr. Mooney did. I had him for science at Shea Middle School and my love for science was born! He will be missed.
Linda Peters
May 24, 2015
My family rented out Ken's house for about ten years so between working with Ken at Shea and living in his house I got to know him. He was one of the sweetest men I have ever known. The earth will shine a little less bright now that you have left us. Thank you for being my friend!
Love you!! RIP!
Kathy Cvitkovic Knutson
May 24, 2015
I had Mr. Mooney in 5th grade at Desert Cove and just loved him as a teacher. He was so much fun, kind, caring, patient and had a heart-warming smile. My condolences to the Mooney family.
Michael Momeyer
May 24, 2015
My condolences to family and friends. I was a student in his science class. He was a thought-provoking teacher and made class fun. I thought it was funny when he told us not to run in the halls after the bell had rung, because unless we could run faster than the speed of light it wouldn't help any way!
Kim Gardner-Oandason
May 24, 2015
My deepest condolences to Ken's family. I had Mr. Mooney for Science class at Shea Middle School. He was one of my favorite teachers. He was very enthusiastic and had fun in his classroom.
Jeff Moore
May 24, 2015
He was my 5th-grade teacher at Desert Cove Elementary in '78. He made learning fun and he had a goofy sense of humor that would crack us up! You will be missed Mr. Mooney...Resi in Peace...
Kevin Bacskay
May 24, 2015
I had Ken for 5th grade at Desert Cove Elementary School in Phoenix. That was a rough year for me, but he made the whole year seem so much better! I suffered from stuttering and very low self-esteem. Ken talked to me like I was an adult. He was very kind, respectful, sincere, direct, loving, and simply the best teacher in the world!! I have held him in the highest regard in my heart for the past 37 years since I left his class... even going back several times when I moved on to Shea Middle School and eventually to Shadow Mountain High School. Ken was a strict disciplinarian, but always taught with a loving spirit about him! He taught about respect for others and respecting yourself. And he gave the best hugs!! I always felt loved, respected, and cared for by him. I am very grateful that I had him in my life...
May 24, 2015
I went to grade school and high school with Ken. I remember him as having a great sense of humor, always kept the class laughing. I am so sorry for your loss, I know he will be deeply missed.
Mary Aragon-Shaw
Natalie King-Bedell
May 24, 2015
My favorite uncle growing up. He had a great sense of humor and a contagious enthusiasm for music. Sending love and prayers to you Brenda and Sean.
'mac' McClenaghan
May 24, 2015
I remember Ken from band at Agua Fria. When you look back, it doesn't seem that long ago. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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