John William Moran

John William Moran
age 87 of New Philadelphia died peacefully, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 in Union Hospital at Dover. A son of the late John A. and Minnie (Peacock) Moran, John was born at New Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1926. He attended New Philadelphia schools and entered the United States Navy. While serving our country during World War II, John was stationed in California where he worked as a crane operator in the naval ship yard loading and unloading ships as they left and entered port. For a number of years, he worked for the former Midvale Coal Mine and was proud to have been a third generation miner. In his younger years, John earned the nickname "Lefty" as he was a pitcher for the Wainwright Cardinals and the New Philadelphia Merchants. He also played fast pitch softball and was inducted to the Cy Young Baseball Hall of Fame on Jan. 21, 1974. John attended Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia and thoroughly enjoyed the "great outdoors" that involved hunting, fishing and gardening. Later in life, John took the opportunity to make memorable trips with his family that included the destinations of Alaska, Ireland, and Canada.
He is survived by two daughters, Debbie (husband, Daniel) Smith of Stonecreek and Molly Moran of New Philadelphia; a sister, Dortha Lang; a brother, George (wife, Amelia); and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, whom he married on Aug. 20, 1948 and celebrated 47 years of marriage prior to her passing on July 18, 1995. Eight siblings, Laura Redman, Genevieve Smith, Delene Burton, Charles, Dan, Robert, Clyde and James Moran also precede him.
A private graveside service was held in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. In gratitude for the years of immediate response and exemplary care provided to John, the family wishes for memorial contributions in his name be directed to the New Philadelphia Fire Department, Equipment Fund, 108 Second Street SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of John by visiting the funeral home's website at www.GeibCares.com.