Moyne Cubbage

Moyne L. Cubbage of Barrington, Rhode Island, beloved brother, father, grandfather, husband, uncle, cousin, educator, and friend passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 95.

Born at home in Tiffin, Ohio and raised in Michigan, Moyne's life was shaped by his deep curiosity, strong principles, abiding faith, and experiences in farming and gardening that instilled in him a lasting reverence for nature.

A proud and loyal alumnus of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan, where he completed his doctorate in communication, Moyne began his career teaching and coaching debate in Michigan, leading the state's high school debate association. He taught many communication topics, including business communication, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal communication, public speaking, rhetoric, and debate over his career in higher education, including in Colorado, Michigan, and Japan, where he started the first university communication department in the country.

Moyne spent the greater part of his professional life in Rhode Island, the home state of his beloved wife, Mary-Louise Adams Cubbage, who preceded him in death in 1996. He joined the faculty of Rhode Island College in 1967 as a Professor of Communication and remained there until his retirement in 2000. Over the course of his career, he served as Chair of the Communication and Theatre Department and inspired generations of students to think critically, speak boldly, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Among the most meaningful chapters of his career was teaching interpersonal communication to adults who were incarcerated, finding in that work a powerful reminder of humanity's capacity for connection and renewal.

Beyond his profession, Moyne lived his values daily-through his faith, engagement with his community, and commitment to justice. Moyne served his country with honor in the U.S. Army. He was also a devoted member of the Barrington Congregational Church and served on the United Church of Christ's General Synod Social Justice Committee, where he worked to bring compassion and equity to faith in action, including as a strong advocate of women's rights. Additionally, in his later years, he enjoyed serving on the Barrington senior center's Friends of the Barrington Peck Center committee.

A passionate champion of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, Moyne frequently wrote (and even a few were published!) letters to the editor and espoused the importance of open, respectful dialogue with a favorite quote: "I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Moyne also loved history and cross-cultural learning, in particular from his time in Japan, becoming a bonsai gardening and sumo wrestling enthusiast.

An athlete throughout his life, Moyne played baseball, basketball, and football in high school and became an early adopter of jogging, beginning in the late 1960s. Tennis became his lifelong sport-he played avidly until age 90, finding joy in every match and rally.

Moyne is survived by his three daughters-Kimi Cubbage, Kate Cubbage, and Amy Stephens Cubbage (Kurt)-and his grandchildren, Kyler Stephens Cubbage, Charles Stephens Cubbage, and Emily Stephens Cubbage. He is also survived by his brother, Charles Cubbage (Patricia), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Moyne's life was defined by integrity, generosity, and an enduring love for learning, laughter, and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A memorial service will be held at the Barrington Congregational Church on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3 PM. Donations may be made in his memory to HopeHealth Hospice, or a charity of your choice, if you wish.