Joseph Hannah Moses

Joseph Hannah Moses, 92, a native of Roanoke, born to first generation Lebanese parents, peacefully passed away on February 26, 2026, with his wife Mandy at his side.

Born on May 24, 1934 in Roanoke, Virginia, Joseph was the son of Mary Murray and Hanna Moses. He had a normal childhood and education. During his school years he worked hard helping his parents in the grocery store business. He learned many valuable lessons that would help him later in life. After graduation from Roanoke Catholic High School in 1953, he entered the Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland where he received his bachelor's degree in Philosophy and English.

In 1959 he proudly joined the United States Army as a Military Intelligence Special Agent, serving 7 years active duty and 2 years as a Reserve Captain, with several active-duty tours in France and Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Joseph devoted an additional 30 years as a civil servant with U.S. Army Intelligence Units conducting espionage investigations worldwide and ending his career as a Senior Military Intelligence Officer in 1995. He was known for his steady leadership, kindness, sense of humor, and for always making time to help others, especially the younger Special Agents under his supervision. He retired in October 1995 from Government Service after a combined military and civil service career of 37 years.

Joseph returned to Roanoke and joined his brother John to reopen Melrose Hardware (an offshoot of the Sanitary Grocery & Meat Market which his father started in 1920), which had been closed since his father's death in 1993. In 2005 Joe bought his brother out and continued Melrose Hardware to serve the community 5 days a week, providing individual customer service not normally found in the "big box" hardware stores. The "store" was his hobby that he loved.

Additionally, Joe was a long-time parishioner of St. Elias Maronite Church where he helped in any capacity and wherever he was needed: St. Elias Men's Club, Grounds & Maintenance Committee, Parish Council, Annual Lebanese Festival, etc. He was a member of the Eparchy's Order of St. Sharbel, an organization that helps with the educational costs of our Maronite seminarians and our retired priests. Joe was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years having served as the Grand Knight of Roanoke Council 562 and the Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree / 1167 Assembly. He truly believed in giving back what God had blessed him with throughout his long life regardless of the cost. He felt truly blessed with family and friends!

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Murray and Hanna Moses.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Amanda "Mandy" Tolano; his children; Gina Moses, Joseph A. Moses (Magda), Eva Marie Moses (Chris), Charles Moses; 11 grandchildren; a brother, John A. Moses; sisters, Mary Frances Rieger-Moses, and Theresa Moses Worden. He is also blessed with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Robert "Pint" Noel and Russell Newbill for their many acts of kindness and support during Joe's illness.

Joseph will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who met him. We will forever keep him in our hearts with God. May he now rest in God's eternal home.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. followed by the Maronite Incense Service, all taking place at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road.

The funeral mass will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 4730 Cove Road NW, Roanoke. Celebrants will be Rev. Fr. George Zina (Pastor), Rev. Fr. Kevin Beaton (Retired) and Rev. Fr. Rodolph Wakim (Visiting Former Pastor). Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Diocesan Cemetery, 3601 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke.

Following the interment all are invited to the Mercy Meal in the Social Hall at St. Elias.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, 4730 Cove Road NW, Roanoke, VA 24017.