Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Moeser Obituary
Following graduate school, John came to Richmond in 1970 to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he helped establish the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and where he taught Urban Politics for 35 years. His publications, The Politics of Annexation and The Separate City, focused his research interests on racial politics, poverty, and regional cooperation. Following his retirement as Professor Emeritus from VCU in 2005, John became a Senior Fellow in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Richmond, where he continued his research in racial politics and demographic trends in Central Virginia, retiring in 2015. Active in public life, he served on the governing boards of HOME, William Byrd Community House, Richmond Habitat for Humanity, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, and received numerous awards and commendations. A devoted, long-time member of Second Presbyterian Church, John served as elder and member of Mission Council, and was able to interconnect professional interests with religious faith.
John was most proud of his dear family and happiest when gathering with family, hiking in the mountains of the West, vacationing at the beach, or walking the Capital Trail. He lived a life of service to family, church, and community.
A memorial service for John will be held Saturday, October 22, 11 a.m., at Second Presbyterian Church, 5 North 5th Street, Richmond, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or The Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Moeser
Jacqueline Smith
October 17, 2023
Sharon thinking of you on the first anniversary of John passing. MUCH LOVE, and MANY PRAYERS
Stephen Kadar
November 4, 2022
John Moeser was one of the first people I met when I moved to Richmond and attended VCU in 1982. Dr. Moeser was my professor, advisor, later on my colleagues and my Friend. I will miss his patience and wisdom. Regards to Sharon and the family.
Dennis Winston
October 24, 2022
Sending condolences to the family as you celebrate a wonderful life of one who left a wonderful legacy as an advocate for a just society. Sharon and family, day by day, may the light of your memories heal your sorrow and bring you peace.
Sincerely and in sympathy,
Dennis Winston
Jacqueline Smith
October 23, 2022
I was John waitress at Aunt Shara, sorry to hear of the passing of John.You have my deepest sympathy. When someone you love become a memory,a memory become a treasure
Doug Sease
October 22, 2022
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Moeser´s passing. Such a kind, graceful and intellectual person. He was one of my favorite professors at VCU. Richmond and VCU benefited greatly from his presence and he will be missed. Peace to his family during this difficult time.
Devon Allen
October 20, 2022
My condolences to the family of Dr. Moeser.
Margot Garcia
October 20, 2022
It is with deep sadness I send condolances to Sharon and the rest of the family on the occasion of John's death. John was a valued colleague in the Urban Studies and Planning Department at VCU, He was such a gentleman with a wonderful smile. I enjoyed working with him and admired his quiet faith and strong ethic of the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.
Margot Garcia
Heath Rada
October 20, 2022
The Rada family sends love and sympathy to John´s family. He was an extraordinary man whom we admired greatly. He made RIchmond a better place for all of us.
Laura Tate
October 19, 2022
I had the pleasure of hearing Dr Moeser speak several years ago on the effects of 1-95 separating neighborhoods. It was so interesting.
I also realized his last name was the same as my high school English teacher. After his presentation we chatted he confirmed his wife had been my teacher at Armstrong High school.
Mrs. Moeser, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying sweet memories provide solace.
Laura Bennett Tate
Miriam R. Davidow
October 19, 2022
To Sharon and the family, please accept my sincere condolence on the death of John. He was a wonderful mentor, teacher and passionate advocate for those underserved. I am so fortunate to have been inspired by John and will always remember him with fondness. His memory IS a blessing!!!
William Cain
October 19, 2022
My condolences to the family. Dr. Moeser was my 1st advisor at VCU during my freshman year. I remember his patience and knowledge. He will be missed.
Bobbi Weinstock
October 19, 2022
John was a brilliant person who utilized his vast knowledge in so many compassionate situations. So enjoyed our backyard conversations. He will be very missed. Sharon was the most important part of his life and that love was always visible.
James Van Zee
October 19, 2022
I was one of Dr. Moeser´s first urban studies students at VCU in the early 1970s. His insight and enthusiasm for our communities lead me into a lifetime career in the field of planning. I´m eternally grateful.
James Van Zee, Alexandria Virginia
Chris Hilbert
October 19, 2022
John was such a wonderful and kind man. I appreciate his counsel through the years. Deepest sympathies.
Helene Lovell
October 19, 2022
Sincere condolences. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Moeser at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Rest in Peace.
Brian Davis
October 19, 2022
I was a student in the late 80s and 90s at VCU and still hold him as an influential voice in my life. Always a smile and encouraging words. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Cassandra Farmer
October 19, 2022
He was an awesome man and great supervisor who loved people .
Daryl Cumber Dance
October 19, 2022
It was my honor to call him my colleague at VCU and UR. He was always an inspiration.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in John Moeser's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John Moeser
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Moeser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
