Jeremiah Francis "Jerry" Moynihan

1928 - 2011

Jeremiah (Jerry) Francis Moynihan passed away on April 17, 2011 after a long and courageous battle with a bone marrow disorder.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Jerry was born May 10, 1928 in Buffalo, N.Y., to William and Elizabeth O'Connor Moynihan. He was the oldest of five boys. He came to California his senior year of high school and played basketball at Oxnard High. He graduated from Oxnard High in 1945 and immediately joined the Coast Guard and served in Alaska for two years.

Upon his return to Ventura, he attended Ventura College for two years. It was here he met the love of his life, Lois Chatham, and they married in August of 1951. He worked for Chanslor Western Oil Development Co. for seven years. After the birth of his daughters, Cathy and Karen, he decided to return to school to get his teaching credential. He attended Northridge receiving his credential in 1962. He taught at Pleasant Valley Elementary and became a principal there.

He ended his career serving as principal at Camarillo Heights Elementary School for 17 years, retiring in 1989. Jerry's love of learning, and commitment to children provided the best start possible for the hundreds of students who had the good fortune of attending his schools. After retirement he enjoyed meeting with his coffee buddies, "The Camarillo Senate." He was an active member of the Retired Business and Professional Men's Club, and was also active in the First Christian Church in Ventura for 60 years. Those are the facts of Jerry's life.

But this is who he was His passions were many. He was an enthusiastic sports fan (he never met a basketball he didn't like), and especially loved going to local high school and college games. Jerry and Lois were seasoned travelers, both here and abroad. Always the romantic, he often surprised his wife with an entire pre-planned and booked vacation, her only job being to pack a suitcase and head out the door.

Family vacations were usually spent at Bass Lake or in Hawaii. He was an avid reader and could discuss anything from the latest NCAA rankings to the most current political hot topics. Jerry was a people lover, and folks just naturally felt comfortable around him. From his enthusiastic greeting in seeing a friend, to the quiet and attentive way he listened when people shared their stories or concerns, it was always evident that here was a man who truly made people feel cared about and valued. Jerry was a role model, comfortable in both his strength and his emotions.

This served him well when he became a Big Brother in 1972 to David Hart Gandolfo, a treasured relationship that has continued to this date. But his first love, his greatest joy, was always his family. He was an adoring father and a doting grandpa to his four granddaughters, attending all of their sporting events (and there were hundreds over the years) and school activities. It was in his wife, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild that he found his greatest source of peace and contentment.

The family thanks doctors Inoshita, Tom Kong, Lynn Kong, and their staffs, the ICU and fourth floor staffs at Community Memorial hospital, and the staff at the Venturan Convalescent Hospital for their love and care. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to Eden Hinola, Jerry's caregiver the last year of his life. No words can express their gratitude for the special relationship, love and care that Eden provided.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Mike Moynihan and Jack Daly. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 60 years, Lois Chatham Moynihan; daughters, Cathy Mason (Terry), Karen Haggerty; granddaughters, Kerry Haggerty Thomas (Tim), Tara Mason, Erin Haggerty, and Laura Mason; great-grandson, Joshua Jeremiah Thomas; brothers, Martin Daly (Frances), William Moynihan (Dorothy); sister-in-law, Helen Chatham; niece, Linda Etter (Larry); "Little Brother" David Hart Gandolfo (Rhonda); niece, Stephanie Daly D'Andrea and her children, Matt, Joey and Grace. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the First Christian Church, 38 Teloma Drive, Ventura.

Donations can be made to First Christian Church/Memorial Garden or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home, Ventura, 642-8134. Please visit www.charlescarrollfuneralhome.com to leaves tributes to Jerry.