Cheston Moore III

It is with great sadness that the family of Cheston John Moore III, announces his passing after a hard fought battle with stomach cancer.   He lived in Vermillion SD for the last 3 years but was formerly a long-term Medford, NJ resident. Cheston had been cared for by his daughter, son, family and a team of caregivers in his home and  died peacefully while surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, March 12th 2024, at the age of 82.  
     Cheston was born to Cheston J Moore II and Charolette R Speidel Moore on April 05, 1941 in Philadelphia PA.  The Moore family stayed in Philadelphia later moving to south New Jersey where much of the family had resided since colonial times.  
     While growing up in the Philadelphia area Cheston had the privilege to learn numerous string instruments and perfect his talents.  He was proud to become a Philadelphia Mummer at the age of 10 when he first marched down Broad St with the string band Aqua.  He continued his mumming career throughout his life when time afforded; He performed with various string bands such as Avalon, Dick Cren, Glouster City and most notably with Ferko until he could no longer march.  When asked of all the performances, which was your favorite, he said he didn’t have a favorite but if he had to choose one he said he really enjoyed “Hillbilly Harmonies” with Ferko in 2006.
     Cheston served in the US Army. He was in charge of personnel records at the headquarters for Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville AL  When the Army discovered his musical gifts they sent him to the 3rd Army Showmobile at Ft McPherson GA.  
     The 3rd Army Showmobile was composed of 19 enlisted men and 5 enlisted women. These units had to be completely self-contained and capable of performing under the most adverse circumstances while concurrently maintaining professional stage presence and soldiery conduct.  
     Cheston studied under the guidance of Juilliard conductors and performed for the troops with either his banjo, mandolin or violin.   He shared a stage with both Charo and Steve Martin.  He was also fortunate to be recorded on an album while performing with the Army.
     Cheston married Carole in 1968.  They enjoyed children and started a family of their own.  They later opened their home and hearts by becoming a foster home and safe haven for at risk youth. They were both known to be loving and compassionate and they helped many youth; some returned later to thank them  
     Cheston’s biggest passion in life was music. An avid banjo, fiddle, mandolin player, he spent countless hours perfecting his abilities. Aside from playing with the Mummers Cheston played with the South New Jersey Pops City Orchestra and was given the responsibility of being the first string violin with the South New Jersey Symphony.  He frequently performed at Albert Hall. A career spanning over 20 years.  When he could no longer perform he would pay it forward and teach.  He taught numerous youth how to not only play the violin but how to read music.    
     When Cheston wasn’t playing one of the 17 instruments he could play, he could be found building a model train.  He was an active member of the New Jersey Southern Railroad club.  This is a nonprofit club that will assist its members, as well as 4H youth and adults young or old develop their passion for building trains, landscapes and electrically wiring various train track layouts.    
     He was a generous man who would give the shirt off his back for anyone who needed it.   He loved to tell stories and be goofy with his grandchildren and great grandson.  You rarely found him not smiling and being generous to all he encountered.
     Cheston was an accomplished musician, performer, carpenter, mentor, priest, loving husband, and fan of his children, grandchildren, and great grandson. His Catholic faith provided a foundation for how he lived, raised his family, and strived to be more Christlike.
     He was preceded in death by his wife Carole Ann Doyle Moore, daughter Theresa Marie Moore, parents Cheston John Moore II and Charolette Ruth Speidel Moore, his brother Robert Moore and sister Susan Moore.
     Cheston is survived by his son, Matthew J Moore (Jenny) of Norton Ohio, daughter Colleen Herrera (LD) of Vermillion, South Dakota, sister Kathleen (Paul) Mucha of Rancocas Woods, New Jersey.
     Cheston will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Joshua, Carolanne, Quinton, Josie, and Dominic, along with his great grandson Lucas Moore.
     Prayer and memorial Services will be held on Friday March 22nd, 2024, at 3 pm at the St. Agnes Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the parish hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cheston’s life.
     Interment will be at the family cemetery, Peacock Cemetery of Medford NJ. In the summer date to be determined.
     In Lieu of flowers, please send your donations to the St. Agnes Catholic School or New Jersey Southern Ntrak(www.njsntrak.us).