Kent Moore

1941 - 2017

Kent Moore

Ithaca - Kent Moore (1941-2017)

Kent Moore of Ithaca, NY died on Nov. 9th, 2017, in Ithaca eight months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was born in Ithaca, NY, the son of the late Ulrich A. Moore and the late Francis Goodnough of Ithaca NY, and brother to the late Royall T. Moore of Coleraine, N. Ireland. He studied architecture and painting at Cornell University and received a BFA in painting from Cornell University and an MFA from The University of Iowa. One of his sculptures is part of the Sculpture Park at the Cornell University Arboretum.

Kent spent six years teaching painting at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, and six years at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, after which he decided to embark on an experimental lifestyle close to the land for a number of years. He co-founded a commune (Hamsa) and an organic restaurant (The Arc) while living in Athens. In a large organic garden, the commune grew produce for themselves and the restaurant. Often packed with people, The Arc became a very popular local destination, serving healthy food and entertaining the townspeople with live music. Though an enriching experience, Kent moved on after a few years and ended up continuing his architecture studies and working as an architectural designer for most of the rest of his life. He met his wife Mafalda while living in Athens and in 1983 they got married and moved to Ithaca, NY where he worked for various architectural firms in the Ithaca area.

From early age Kent was very creative and loved building. Beginning with huts in the woods he built as a child, and ending with an ambitious renovation of his own 1850`'s farmhouse in Ithaca. It was his labor of love. He also loved playing golf, was part of the league at the Cornell golf club and enjoyed summers and holidays with all his family together. After retirement three years ago he bought a boat and a canoe and enjoyed exploring the waters of Cayuga Lake. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mafalda Reis Moore, son Theron Moore, stepdaughters Kaliel Roberts and Maya Roberts and four grandchildren, Neenah, Arlo, Mack and Lev. He inspired his children and grandchildren to be creative, a legacy that lives on.

There has already been a small memorial for him and another one is planned for the summer of 2018 during his family's visit when his ashes will be scattered under a redbud tree on his property.