He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to John and Eleanor (Hannon) Moersdorf and married Virginia M. (Babo) Moersdorf. Being raised during the Great Depression he quit school after 10th grade to work and help his family. He was a Marine during World War II and saw action in the Pacific, earning Purple Hearts for combat injuries received on Iwo Jima and Saipan. Upon return from the war he worked on the railroad for 42 years, starting with the Pennsylvania Railroad, then the Penn Central and ending with Amtrak as the most senior engineer in the New York region. Throughout his railroad career he lived in northern New Jersey, primarily in Little Falls. He and Virginia moved to New Bern, N.C., in 1984.
He enjoyed watching baseball and collecting stamps, produced many oil paintings, was an avid vegetable and flower gardener, and went to the horse races as often as possible. He was a member and officer in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. In New Bern he was a member, officer and 3rd degree in the Knights of Columbus, and worked tirelessly with the Special Olympics and the church’s food pantry. He moved to Elon in 2009.
He is survived by a son, Paul and his wife Katherine, of Elon; granddaughter, Elizabeth A. Orejan of Burlington, NC; granddaughter-in-law, Ingrid K. Frojker of San Luis Obispo, CA; and great grandchildren; James W. Orejan and Joseph P. Orejan of Burlington, NC, and Anneke M. Moersdorf, Matthew S. Moersdorf, Katherine N. Moersdorf and Andrew M. Moersdorf of San Luis Obispo, CA, and a special family friend, Jaime W. Orejan of Gaffney, SC.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Virginia; grandson, Jude M. Moersdorf; brothers, John and Matthew Moersdorf, and sister Eleanor (Moersdorf) Brett. The family wishes to thank Hospice and in particular, nurse Stacey Chester for the care given to Dad.
Due to COVID-19 a Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, New Bern, at a future date. He will be interred next to his beloved wife, Virginia on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 1:00pm at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 3005 Country Club Rd, New Bern, NC 28562. Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern is handling all the arrangements.
During his short time in Elon he developed a close association with the Catholic Student Center at Elon University. If you wish to make a memorial donation please send it to Father Peter Trembly, Elon Catholic Campus Ministry, Elon University, 2960 Campus Box, Elon, N.C. 27244.
Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.
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