Robert F. Moran

Amherst, MA–Moran, F. Robert, age 89, of Amherst, MA, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026. Born in 1936, Bob grew up in Amherst with his brothers, the late Richard Moran and Donald Moran. Following their mother's passing in 1944, they lived with their beloved cousin, the late Catherine Peterson, and her mother.

Bob graduated from Amherst High School in 1955 and completed an associate's degree at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea, during the postwar U.S. occupation of that country. After completing military service, Bob joined the U.S. Postal Service and was a letter carrier for four decades.

Bob remarried Charlene Meader; they were together 38 years. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard. In addition to Charlene, Bob is survived by his brother, Donald, his children Scott, Michelle, and Heather and their spouses; ten grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two stepchildren, Lisa and Brian; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

As a letter carrier, Bob delivered mail in Amherst Center to many downtown businesses and college faculty. He was known for playfully reading postcards to their recipients and for his welfare checks on residents along his route, a practice that saved at least one person's life. He could make conversation with anyone and offered encouraging words to friend and stranger alike. After he and Charlene retired, they spent time gardening; attending UMASS sporting events and concerts; traveling throughout North America; and visiting family and friends. Each summer they visited Ocean Park, Maine, enjoying the beach community there. He attended Grace Episcopal Church and South Congregational Church.

An avid birder, Bob participated in the Quabbin Eagle Count and Christmas Bird Count for many years and maintained feeders that attracted a lively crowd, from chickadees to pileated woodpeckers. He enjoyed photographing the natural beauty of western Massachusetts.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Church in downtown Amherst on Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 am.

Gifts in Bob's memory may be made to Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, or to Hospice of Western and Central Massachusetts, 1325 Springfield St., #12, Feeding Hills, MA 01030.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com