Dennis "Putt" Moore

Canandaigua – Dennis "Putt" Moore, age 78, passed away unexpectedly and courageously, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Moore; son, Grady (Whitney) Moore; two granddaughters, Adeline and Meara Moore; sister, Donna (John) Miller; brother-in-law, Carroll (Deborah) Johnson; nephews, Kevin (Katie) Johnson (their children, Ryan, Patrick and Graham) and Mark (Lexi) Johnson, all of Maryland; and many dear friends including Tony and Gail DeMuzio, Gary and Christine Henehan, Michael and Debby Foster and Jack and Ann Moran.

Putt was born in Canandaigua and was the son of Burton and Geraldine (Mayer) Moore. He was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy, class of 1964. He received his bachelor' degree in Physical Education from Ithaca College in 1968, his master's degree in education from Syracuse University in 1971 and his certified advanced degree in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport in 1984. Putt served in the US Army 464th Combat Engineers, Canandaigua from 1969-1975.

Putt began his teaching career at Red Jacket Central School and then taught at Victor Central Schools, before teaching and coaching at Community College of the Finger Lakes as a professor in the physical education department, before transitioning into the role of Athletic Director in 1991. Putt held that title until 2006 and was named Region III Athletic Director of the Year. In addition, Putt coached the men's basketball program for 23 years, serving as the head and assistant coach for 18 years. During that time, his record was 251-104, winning several Mid-State conference championships and reaching the semi-finals of the Region III tournament in 1990-1991. Putt was named coach of the year on numerous occasions and has coached many All-Region III players. He was one of the original founders of the Mid-State Athletic Directors for the Mid-State Athletic Association, as well as for the NJCAA. Putt was the driving force behind getting the NJCAA to approve women's lacrosse as a championship sport.

In 1993, Putt was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and in 1998, he was granted the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. In 2011, FLCC's basketball court was named 'Putt Moore Court' in honor of the legendary figure. The longtime coach and devoted hard worker was the first individual ever to be inducted into the college's Athletic Hall of Fame. As a teacher, leader, motivator and friend, Coach Moore has brought prominence, respectability and credibility to athletic programs at FLCC.

Aside from being an administrator, professor and coach, he also developed and enhanced physical education programs, courses and facilities at FLCC. In 1995, Putt designed and developed an Associate in Science degree program in Physical Education Studies. He also worked to have the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Paramedic Program added to the college's programs, something Putt was very proud of. He worked with several area emergency squads and medical professionals to get the program added to the athletic department. He was honored to become a Professor Emeritus.

Putt was a consistent and vocal supporter of all alumni activities and initiatives at FLCC. He is instrumentally noted for creating the Distinguished Alumni Awards Program at the college. Putt also volunteered as a coach for Frank Baker Youth Football.

Along with being an avid sports fan, Putt enjoyed fishing, golfing and having a cup of coffee with his dear friends. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Canandaigua and a Board Member of the Canandaigua Federal Credit Union. Putt and Cathy loved living on Canandaigua Lake and raising their family there. Putt will be dearly missed.

Putt's celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 27, from 2-5 pm, at Finger Lakes Community College Gymnasium, on Putt Moore Court, 3325 Marvin Sands Dr., Canandaigua. Memorial contributions may be made to the Putt Moore Memorial Scholarship, FLCC Foundation, 3325 Marvin Sands Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center, c/o Heart Failure Research Fund, 300 East River Road, PO Box 278996), Rochester, NY 14627. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Canandaigua. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.